If you’ve ever had a bad back, you would understand how it can create a number of challenges in your day-to-day life. Approximately 80% of us will experience a bad back at some stage in our lives, and many of us will suffer with spinal problems for the long-term.
Tasks that others find easy may be quite difficult and painful for those that suffer from a bad back. The good news is, with some planning and clever design you can minimize the pain you experience and improve your quality of life at home. The first thing you need to do is make sure that your home is designed with a healthy spine in mind.
Beds and Mattresses
For those that suffer from back pain, selecting the right bed and mattress is the most important part of designing a home for your needs. If you go to bed feeling okay but wake up with terrible pain, it is very possible that what you are sleeping on doesn’t suit your back.
For most of us a firm, supportive mattress is ideal however it may depend on the nature of your back pain. It’s often about getting the balance right. Too hard and you can wake up with back pain; too soft and your spine will be misaligned all night long leading to soreness when you get out of bed in the morning.
If physical discomfort is an issue, then think about choosing a memory foam mattress or try a knee pillow if you are a side sleeper. Ultimately a good quality mattress should support your spinal alignment while being comfortable so you can relax and sleep well.
Use a Standup Desk
Many of us are now working from home and may not have the greatest ergonomic furniture. If this is the case, consider setting up a standup desk. There are many different types of desks that can be used for standing and you should make sure to look around at what is available before settling on a design.
Sitting down all day can be terrible for your posture and create a lot of back pain. If you want to avoid this problem, make sure that your workstation is set up at a proper height or better yet, work at a standup desk. This will ensure that you can work upright and take the strain off your back muscles.
Height of Furniture
The principles of ergonomics don’t apply to just your home office either. They apply to all forms of furniture that you’ll find in your home. Ensure that the height of couches, tables, and other seating are at a comfortable level so that you don’t have to slouch or strain yourself when using the furniture for long periods of time.
With the right selection of furniture, you should find movement easier so you’ll be more likely to get up. It’s important to move your body regularly to help minimize the risk of bad back pain.
Think about the furniture you currently have in your house and ensure that it is at the right height for comfort when using it. There may be ways to modify the height of the furniture to better suit your specific needs. Alternatively, it could be a wise investment to buy some new furniture with your back pain in mind.
Specialized Technology
For those with long-term back pain there are many options to help support your needs. Lift chairs and recliners are quite popular because they help elevate the legs and keep your spine in a neutral position. They also help you to stand so you don’t need to strain your muscles by struggling to get out of furniture that is too low for you. You should consult with specialists to ensure you get the right model to suit your size and build.
Lift chairs can be quite a large investment however there are more cost-effective options to consider. There are memory foam and gel back support cushions or wedges and donut pillows that may help reduce your pain. Orthopedic seat pads with back support are also very helpful. There are also many mobility aids such as bathroom shower stools and reaching aids.
Consult With Experts
When it comes to medical conditions including back pain, you should always consult experts who specialize in the field. You could try specialists in Osteopathy, Physiotherapy or Chiropractic. You might also choose a physical therapist who specializes in back pain. They may be able to recommend design options for your home to suit your needs. By introducing clever design principles and exercise, you may be able to manage your pain in a drug-free way.