The 3 Best Lumbar Support Cushions

Understanding the Spine

It is important for people with spinal disorders to understand the spine’s basic anatomy and its functions to better help themselves not only heal from injuries and reduce pain, but to avoid further injuries and discomfort.

The spine’s main functions comprise protection of the spinal cord, internal organs, and nerve roots, while it also maintains the body in an upright posture through specialized structural balance and support, enabling flexible motion. Its main regions include sacral, lumbar, thoracic, and cervical, which interact and interrelate to each other while they also serve specific functions.

• Sacral. Located between the hip bones, the sacrum is behind the pelvis, connecting the spine to the pelvis. Its five bones form a triangular shape, and are abbreviated as S1 through S5, with the last lumbar vertebrae articulating with the sacrum (L5).
• Lumbar. The five lumbar vertebrae (L1 through L5) carry the majority of the body’s weight, making them wider and larger than the cervical or thoracic vertebrae. This area is also more prone to subluxation and injury because of this weight load.
• Thoracic. This area contains twelve vertebrae, referred to as T1 to T12. Rib attachments, ligament systems, and spinous processes make this area the most stable section of the spine, and its range of motion is limited to provide vital organ protection.
• Cervical. Comprised of seven vertebrae from C1 to C7, this area supports the skull, provides crucial protection of the spinal cord and brain stem, and enables the widest range of movement.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Lumbar pain has many causes, but the majority of the disorders occurring in this area are closely linked to spondylosis, a normal wear and tear of the bones and discs of the spine related to aging. At least 80% of the human population will experience various levels of lumbar back pain at some point in our lives, and these issues can manifest in a number of ways.

Any of the following conditions respond favorably to the implementation of lumbar cushion support:

• Intervertebral disc degeneration. When we are young, the rubbery spinal discs between the spinal bones enable bending and flexing the lower back, but normal aging processes break the discs down, and they lose their cushioning effects, resulting in pain.

• Herniated and/or ruptured discs. Compressed discs can bulge outward or even rupture, causing lumbar pain.

• Spinal stenosis. Causes narrowing of the spinal spaces which adds more pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, and leg/walking weaknesses.

• Spondylolisthesis. A condition when one of the lower spinal vertebrae slips out of place, pinching the nerves exiting from the spinal column.

• Traumatic injury. Injuries to the spinal ligaments, tendons, and muscles from overexertion, sports, work, falls, accidents, and other activities cause spinal compression along with pain. This can lead to other painful lumbar issues, such as herniated or ruptured discs, nerve root pressure, and sciatica.

• Radiculopathy. Initiated from compression, inflammation, a cyst/tumor, or spinal nerve root injury, this painful condition also includes numbness, and uncomfortable tingling and burning sensations in other parts of the body the affected nerve travels to. Sciatica is one of the most common forms of radiculopathy.

• Skeletal irregularities. Congenital anomalies of the spine, such as scoliosis and lordosis, can often cause lower back pain in affected individuals.

• Strains and sprains. As one of the most common sources of lower back pain, sprains and strains include overexerted or torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They result from incorrect lifting techniques, obesity, and weakened abdominal and/or lower back muscles.

How Do I Choose the Best Lumbar Cushion for Me?

The best lumbar cushions keep the pelvis, shoulders, and ears in alignment, while the natural inward curvature of the lumbar spine is maintained. While they come in a variety of configurations, lumbar cushions should support the spine in its natural position, sitting flush against the small of the back without overly accentuating the curve.

The most important aspects of choosing the best cushion for your unique requirements include quality, support, resistance, and affordability. Look for well-made, durably constructed cushions that will hold their form with repeated, daily usage. The materials used should be breathable so the cushion doesn’t become too hot or uncomfortable to use for extended periods of time.

Configurations vary as everyone will have different density needs for specific back support. Choose from wedges, attachable rolls, adjustable and inflatable pads, and chair-like cushioning to suit your individual exigencies. The level of resistance the cushion offers is important, as too little support will not provide the proper positioning to alleviate pain, and too much support will result in more pain. If you’re unsure, check with your doctor to determine the best lumbar cushion for you.

Lumbar cushions are helpful to mitigate lower back pain by providing corrective, contoured, and comfortable positioning for a healthier spine. They can be used on any sitting surface with a back, including chairs, sofas, office chairs, recliners, car seats, airplane seats, and wheelchairs.