PRODUCTS FOR BETTER SPINE HEALTH

Recommendations for Patients, their Doctors and the Public

 

 

For Sleep

 

MATTRESS: It is important to use a mattress that is both supportive and comfortable. Proper support of the back while sleeping allows the spine and its muscles to rejuvenate and be ready for the next day. A good mattress will facilitate restorative sleep and thus will contribute to good health.

 

                                                                     

MATTRESS TOPPER: The mattress topper refers to a special pad which is placed on top of a traditional mattress to provide additional support and comfort. The pad can be placed on top of any mattress to help ease pressure points to help facilitate relaxation and support the spine.

 

 

ADJUSTABLE BED FRAME: Adjustable bed frames allow for a variety of positions while awake or sleeping. Split sleep systems can be adjusted on each side of the bed according to an individual needs or preference. Designs may include wireless controls, position memory recall and wavelike massage. An adjustable bed frame can be used to enhance the positive benefits of a good mattress or mattress topper.

 

 

PILLOW: The pillow is used to support the head, neck and upper spine. For proper sleep and for the best care of the spine, a good pillow is necessary. A superior pillow will support the neck in all sleeping positions and should keep the spine in natural alignment. A variety of pillow sizes and shapes help to provide maximum support and comfort. Some pillows conform to sleep positions and the unique requirements of the user.

 

 

 

CONTOUR PILLOW: The contour pillow has a preset shape developed to support the head and neck in a predetermined posture. A good contour pillow should support the natural curve of your spine to relieve pressure and provide support while sleeping.  

 

 

 

KNEE PILLOW: A knee pillow can be placed between the knees when an individual sleeps on their side or below the knees if they sleep on their back. Placing a pillow between knees prevents the knees from coming together thus reducing rotation of the spine. Placement of a pillow under the knees helps to reduce stress on the lower back.

 

 

 

BODY PILLOW: A body pillow is a long pillow which can be used to support he body and the entire spine (back) while sleeping. Pregnant women may prefer the body pillow. Some individuals will prefer the body pillow over using a number of traditional pillows to support the head, neck spine and legs.

 

 

 

For Home

 

SCULPTED CHAIR: There are a number of chairs which have been engineered with a support lumbar region built into the chair. The curve of the chair will follow and support the natural curves of the spine. This type of chair is not adjustable therefore it should be carefully evaluated by the individual who will use it prior to purchase.

 

ADJUSTABLE RECLINER CHAIR: The recliner chair has become very popular for home use. It is important to invest in a recliner chair that uses the latest advances in engineering to foster a healthy back. Many of these chairs have a footrest or ottoman. The recliners come in different sizes and shapes to fit the individual’s needs

 

THERAPEUTIC RECLINER CHAIR: The home use therapeutic chair may include a massage mechanism which can be adjusted. Some chairs may also include a heating element along the lumbar or thoracic region. Motors target massage relief to the shoulders, back, buttocks, thighs and calves. The chair may offer a variety of custom massage applications such as cycle, oscillating, tapping and back, seat or body therapy and heat applications to help ease stiffness in your lower back.

 

 

ELECTRIC SCOOTER: A good electric scooter should be comfortable and have a history of solid performance.

 

 

ELECTRIC STAIR LIFT: A good stair lift should have a safety belt, the footrest and back should be adjustable making it comfortable for all users. The seat should rotate at the top and the bottom making it easy to get on and off the seat. Most units can be installed on either side of a staircase. When the seat is folded, there should be adequate room for safe and easy use of the stairway.

 

 

 

FOR THE OFFICE

Sitting in office chairs for prolonged periods of time can be a major source of back pain. Sitting is primarily a static posture which can be associated with a tremendous amount of pressure applied to the tissue of the spine including the intervertebral discs. Chairs in the office should be designed to support the back. Also it should be of the proper height so as not to stress the neck and upper back while working at a desk or a computer station.

 

ERGONOMICALLY SCULPTED CHAIR: Some chairs are engineered to follow and support the natural curves of the spine. The sculpted chair may not be adjustable therefore it should be carefully evaluated by the individual who will use it prior to purchase.

 

 

 

ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT CHAIR: An adjustable chair should be contoured to support the spine and can be adjusted to fit the needs of the user. Many adjustable office chairs have a seatback which can be lowered or raised to better suit the user. The chair will have an adjustable lumbar support, adjustable cervical support and a contoured seat that promotes circulation. Many have adjustable arm rests. Adjustability will help to ensure a good fit and adequate spine and general postural support for all users of the chair.

 

 

PORTABLE BACK (LUMBAR) AND SEAT SUPPORTS: A curved cushion or lumbar support (roll) can be manually placed on a chair to add comfort and support the spine. It will help prevent stressful postures. It is a cost effective way to enhance a non-supportive chair. Some products may be inflated or deflated to adjust the amount of support which is provided.

 

           

ADJUSTABLE WORKSTATION: A work station which can be adjusted in height helps prevent back, shoulder and neck problems. A good workstation should have an adjustable keyboard to help reduce stress on the neck and shoulders.

 

 

ERGONOMIC FOOTREST: An ergonomic footrest helps support the back. The footrest is an often overlooked feature of a good workstation. A footrest typically maintains the feet at an approximate 90 degree angle thereby enhancing blood circulation. Placement of the feet on a foot rest helps to ensure that you do not slide forward. It magnifies the benefits of a good chair.

 

 

 

FOR PREGNANCY

 

As many as 50% of women develop back pain during pregnancy. Back pain can lead to less physical activity therefore increasing the risk of unwanted weight gain during pregnancy. Back pain developed during pregnancy may become chronic after delivery.

 

 

 

MATERNITY WEDGE PILLOWS: A dual-wedge system provides firm, comfortable back and abdominal support for mothers-to-be.

 

 

MATERNITY BODY PILLOW:  A good full body pillow will support the back and abdomen during sleep. It can also be used to support the baby during feeding.

 

 

MATERNITY SLEEPING BEAN: An effective sleeping bean supports the abdomen the your back by when the person is wrapped around this column-shaped pillow. It can also be used as a nursing pillow.

 

 

SUPPORT BRA: A good bra will help support the spine and reduce extras stresses placed upon the spine.

 

 

MATERNITY SUPPORT BRA: A good bra will help support the spine and reduce extras stresses placed upon the spine.

 

PREGANANCY BACK BRACE: A good pregnancy back brace will gently lift  the abdomen thus reducing pressure and stress placed upon the low back. It will also provide compression and support to the low back, helping to reduce back pain and increasing the comfort level during pregnancy.

 

 

 

WHEN YOU TRAVEL

 

SELF-INLFATING BACK RESTS: These should be used for back support when it is not present in existing seating.

 

 

PORTABLE CUSHIONS: These should be positioned to support the low back in seating that does not have good spine support.

 

 

STADIUM SEATS: These are to be used if seated on a bench without back support. It is an unnecessary stress on the back to be seated anywhere without back support.

 

 

 

TRAVEL PILLOW: The travel pillow provides support of the head and neck in the sitting or semi-recumbent position. It is typically a “U” shaped pillow that is curved to fit snuggly around the neck. It can be used for sleeping or simply supporting the neck while in a sitting or semi-recumbent position.

 

 

DONUT PILLOW: The donut pillow is shaped like a donut. it can be placed upon the seat of a chair or bench. It has a depression or a hole in the middle so that pressure is taken off of the tailbone. This pillow is often of great assistance for those who have a bruised, arthritic or fractured tailbone.

 

 

 

FOR WALKING

 

A supported gait helps the spine maintain proper alignment and eliminates the stress on the spine caused by walking and standing on feet without proper support.

                       

ATHLETIC SHOES: Good fitting shoes are important, especially those that cushion the soft tissues of the foot, support the aches and provide for adequate shock absorption while walking.

 

 

DRESS SHOES: Good fitting shoes are important, especially those that cushion the soft tissues of the foot, support the aches and provide for adequate shock absorption while walking.

 

 

SHOE INSERTS: Good off of the shelf shoe inserts provide extra-cushioning for the bottom of the foot.  

 

 

CUSTOM ORTHOTICS (SHOE INSERTS MOLDED TO THE FOOT): Good custom orthotics provides support for the arches of each foot while adding to comfort during activity. Custom orthotics help support spine health by reducing abnormal movements of the foot and ankle which contribute to knee, hip and low back problems.

 

 

INSOLES (“COMFORT CUSHIONS”): These are inserted into shoes to cushion the walk and decrease the repeated stress to the bottom of the foot when standing or walking.

 

 

 

REGIONAL SUPPORT OF THE BACK AND NECK

 

Braces and collars are for people whose doctor has recommended bracing of the back for extra support or soft collars/rigid collars for extra neck support. (Note: “Orthosis is the medical term for brace”)

 

 

BACK BRACE: also called TLSO for thoracic-lumbar-sacral orthosis.

 

 

SOFT COLLAR: Foam rubber collar for mild support of the neck.

 

 

HARD COLLAR/RIGID COLLAR: Molded plastic or other hard substance to give considerable support to the neck.

 

 

 

TOPICAL AIDS FOR BACK AND NECK PAIN

COLD APPLICATIONS:   Ice or cold application can help provide relief of back pain through a number of proposed mechanisms which include slowing of the inflammation with a reduction of the swelling which occurs after injury. Most back pain is accompanied by some degree of inflammation. Reducing the degree of inflammation helps to reduce pain. Cold application helps to numb painful regions (providing pain relief like a local anesthetic). Cold application slows the conduction of nerve signals, which may help interrupt the pain-spasm-pain cycle, it diminishes pain and can help speed the healing process.

COLD PACKS: Topically applied “cold packs” can be used for safe and natural back pain relief. Good cold packs should be comfortable and convenient to use. Many are reusable. Many cold packs use a vinyl pouch with a “gel” which remains flexible even at freezing temperatures. It remains comfortable when refrigerated or frozen. It should be composed of one piece construction and be hypoallergenic for direct application. It can be placed into the refrigerator.  

 

COLD SPRAYS: An effective topical cold spray helps reduce pain by cooling the affected area without the inconvenience of ice. A good “cold spray” works as a topical “pain reducer” that avoids unwanted systemic side effects of analgesics taken by mouth.

 

 

COLD WRAP: An effective cold wrap is designed to deliver localized cold therapy to any area of the back and neck. A good support wrap provides insulation to prevent the loss of cold and offers posterior support stays as well as right and left tension pulls to increase back support and a pad to support the lumbar curve. Cold wraps can be used as back supports with or without the cold gel packs.

 

 

HEAT APPLICATIONS: The most effective heat applications are those products which can effectively maintain their heat at the proper temperature which is “warm”. The two primary categories of heat therapy are dry heat and moist heat. Some people prefer dry heat whereas others prefer moist heat application.

 

HOT/WARM WATER BOTTLE: The warm water bottle tends to stay warm for about 20-30 minutes.

 

 

HEATED GEL PACKS: Heated gel packs may be placed into a microwave or heated in warm water. They tend to stay warm for about 20-30 minutes. Some type of gel packs provide moist heat, which some individuals prefer.

 

 

HEATING PADS: An electric heating pad maintains a constant level of heat as long as it is plugged in. Some electric heating pads allow for moist towel-like sleeve to be placed over the application area, thus providing a form of moist heat.

 

 

HEAT WRAPS: Heat wraps can be paced over the lower back region. They are generally applied against the skin under the clothing providing a convenient and inconspicuous method of applying a low level of heat application while an individual performs other tasks.

 

 

 

 

 

HEATING/WARMING SPRAYS: A good topical warming spray will help to reduce pain.

 

 

TOPICAL ANALGESICS (NON-PHARMACEUTICAL PAIN PATCH): A good topical analgesic will reduce pain without the side effects associated with a pharmaceutical pain patch.

 

 

TOPICAL ANALGESICS (PAIN PATCH): The pain medication is in an adhesive patch which is to be placed on the skin. The pain medication is absorbed through the skin and helps back pain in some people.

 

 

 

FOR BACK AND NECK PAIN: ORAL MEDICATIONS

 

NON-PRESCIPTION ANALGESICS (NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION): Many people with back pain and neck pain improve on these. They are called “over-the-counter” pain medications because they do not require a doctor’s prescription.

 

 

PRESCRIPTION ANALGESICS (“DOCTOR-PRESCRIBED PAIN MEDS”): These are stronger than the analgesics above. If the “over-the-counter” medications do not help enough, these medications are often used. They are usually more effective at pain relief.

 

 

 

EXERCISE AIDS AND TUTORIALS

 

 

EXERCISE VIDEOS: The use of an exercise video will help the individual learn to perform back exercises correctly. It will also serve a structured format providing the order and speed which the exercises are to be performed. A good exercise video is narrated with health and safety tips.  An exercise video may also provide instruction on how to lift correctly and how to adopt healthy postures throughout each and every day. 

 

 

 

 

BOOKS: There are many books that cover various topics on the spine. Look for books which have been written by doctors on the subject of spinecare. Books which are published by organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) are likely to be up to date and per-reviewed.

 

 

PHYSIOBALL: A good physioball (exercise ball) should be latex free, burst resistant for slow deflation and rated for exercise, seating and medical use. It should also come in different sizes to meet the needs of the individual.

 

 

EXERCISE BANDS/TUBING: Good exercise bands should come with a door anchor, a pair of handles, tubes/bands of various lengths which can be cut and a handbook or set of directions. The bans should be color coded based upon resistance.  

 

 

WHEELCHAIRS

 

MANUAL STANDARD WHEELCHAIR: A good wheelchair will expand to offer adjustable width. It should have high performance tires, durable upholstery, padded arms and calf pads.

 

 

MANUAL ULTRA-LIGHT WHEELCHAIR: The ultra-light wheelchair is a must for all active users and those involved in wheel chair sports. A good ultra light wheelchair should have high performance wheels, adjustable tension upholstery, an adjustable center of gravity and an adjustable camber system. The ultra-light wheelchair typically weighs less than 20 pounds.

 

 

MANUAL SHOWER/COMMODE WHELLCHAIR: A good shower/commode wheel chair is a special applications chair which is both comfortable and waterproof. It typically has an aluminum frame and stainless steel hardware, making it completely rust-resistant and ideal for use in the shower. Special features usually include portability with ability to fold for transport and storage and flip-up padded arms that lock down.

 

 

MANUAL PEDIATRIC WHEELCHAIR: A good manual pediatric wheelchair offers versatility, functionality and maneuverability.  It is designed for smaller users with lightweight and recliner versions.

 

 

ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR:  A good electric wheelchairs should be versatile and should have a tight turning radius and be able to navigate small areas. It should have an on board charger. It should have anti-tip wheels and variable speed. It should have adjustable seat height and footrest. 

 

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

 

TENS: TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)is a method of applying controlled, low-voltage electrical stimulation to the skin via superficial electrodes (on the skin) for relieving pain.

 

 

 

HOME TRACTION DEVICES: A good cervical or lumbar home traction device should provide a comfortable and cost-effective option to continuing clinical traction treatments. It should incorporate a “pump design” which can be controlled by the individual. It should allow for intermittent or alternating traction periods. It should have adjustability. It should also have a limiting pressure valve to ensure safety.

 

 

 

SPINECARE AND SPINEHEALTH INFORMATION

 

SPINE PHYSICIAN DIRECTORY: A good online physician directory will provide a user friendly search function to help the user find a specialist in their area. The directory should also have contact information. Website links will provide the user an opportunity to more research.

 

 

SPINE INFORMATION WEBSITE: An informative website will have information about the spine, spine disorders, spinecare, diagnostic methods and therapeutic options. It should also provide an searchable directory of spine physicians.