Back-pain is one of the most common ailments that adults face. It is an unfortunate side-effect of the stagnant life-style most office jobs force us to have.
But while we might be required to sit in our desk chair for up to 8 hours or more a day to get our paychecks, it does not mean we have to be uncomfortable doing so!
There is a range of back cushions that have been designed with a range of materials—all with the common goal of alleviating any pain and preventing back problems altogether!
But how do you know what material your back cushion should have? The key in selecting is to remember that all bodies are different and have special needs—meaning that the back cushion material that is right for you likely varies from what your other colleagues may need.
In general, there are two types of cushion material to choose from to ensure your back stays protected and pain-free.
Gel Cushion vs Memory Foam Cushion
The gel cushion
Investing in a back gel cushion is a great way to help protect your back muscles, your spine and your neck. This is because the gel cushion is designed to morph with your body and gives an extra layer of support to the curve of your spine—as not all spines are straight! What’s more, gel cushion material can help prevent swelling of your pelvis, legs and back regions as it prevents these areas from being compressed.
The memory foam cushion
The memory foam cushion is one of the most popular options out on the market thanks to a balance of affordable price and high-levels of comfort. This material is able to give your more neglected parts of your back, like your tailbone, a level of support it would not normally receive. In general, the higher density the foam, the better it will be in regards to encouraging proper alignment of your back.
Other tips to consider
But the type of material that your back cushion is made of is not the only thing that you should consider when purchasing. Here are some other key aspects to keep in mind when it comes to looking after your back!
The size of your cushion
While the type of material plays an important role in protecting your back, so does the size of your cushion! There are a wide array of sizes that you can choose from, meaning that there is likely the perfect one out there for every type of body and chair. So make sure that the cushion fits both what you will be sitting on and targets the right parts of your body when you sit down.
Back cushions need butt cushions
Yup, you read that correctly! Butt cushions are just as important as back cushions. This means that you may need to double up to ensure that your entire body is getting the support it needs to sit those long hours in a chair. These butt cushions—also referred to as seat cushions—are easy to transport with you and use both in the office and in the car!
Style matters
Just like there are different shapes and sizes of back cushions, there are also different design styles to choose from as well. You want to be proud to use your back cushion, so things like fabric really do matter! And since you will be sitting on your back cushion for long periods of time, the durability of the fabric is key to making sure it is a quality investment.
While sitting at a desk for hours on end is not necessarily the most fun thing to do, you don’t have to jeopardize your back in the process! Have a pain-free workday by investing in a quality back cushion!