Most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. While not all cases are chronic, any back pain affects your movement. A slight change in body position by using an incline ramp might relieve discomfort.
Sleeping
If you suffer from back pain, lying flat on your back may worsen your symptoms. A slightly elevated, or inclined position, may ease your discomfort during sleep. An incline wedge can be placed underneath your regular pillow as an inexpensive alternative to purchasing an adjustable bed. Your personal incline will also not affect your partner's sleeping position.
Chores
Household chores such as washing dishes, cleaning windows, unloading a dishwasher, or other activities that cause you to stand in one place for an extended time period may also affect your level of back pain. An incline ramp, or wedge, placed under one foot may help to diminish back pain. If you are doing any forward bending activities, place the incline underneath your heels to provide pain relief in your back.
Exercising
During strength-training exercises, lying flat may not be comfortable. Using an incline bench during a chest press will help to reduce back strain. Push-ups with your hands higher than your feet by using an incline ramp or wedge will place less stress on your back. Another exercise solution is the Body Wedge, a vinyl covered foam incline ramp which can be used during strengthening exercises. To avoid lying flat while performing stomach crunches, the body wedge places you in a slightly inclined position, which decreases strain on your back.
Treadmill
The only place where an incline does not seem to have an affect on lower back pain is during treadmill exercise. The European Spine Journal reports on a study conducted in 2006 at Meram Medical School, Selcuk University, Konya Turkey. Researchers monitored those suffering from lower back pain as they walked on a treadmill in five different positions. Results were found that neither incline nor decline had any correlation with pain symptoms.
Cautions
Back pain requires a visit to your doctor. Before beginning any exercises, speak with your doctor about the options available to you. Any activity that increases your discomfort should be discontinued immediately.
