Back pain is a major cause of time lost from work and is the second most common type of neurological ailment in the United States, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Americans spend as much as $50 billion per year on expenses related to back pain. While surgery and medication may help minimize back pain, inexpensive options, such as pillows and cushions, may help treat and prevent some instances of spinal discomfort.
Incidence
Your spine helps to support your body's weight. It houses your spinal cord, the delicate structure that carries signals that convey sensations and helps control body movements. Your spinal column contains more than 30 bones, your vertebrae. Back pain may have a number of different causes, such as osteoporosis, viral infections, obesity, pregnancy, stress and arthritis. Poor posture during standing or sitting may also lead to spinal discomfort.
Purpose
Cushions and pillows can help you maintain a correct posture that helps to keep your spine properly aligned. These soft devices help to support your spine while you are sitting or lying down.
Types
The best type of cushion to support your spine depends on the location of your pain, your activities and your posture. Cervical pillows may help cushion your neck. These contoured pillows, also called orthopedic pillows, have a deeper depression for your head and a raised area to support your neck. Travel pillows have a shape that resembles a horseshoe and can help provide neck support. Lumbar cushions provide support for the inward curve of your lower spine. Supporting the lumbar curve helps absorb the downward forces of gravity. Donut cushions are seat cushions that are round with a hole in the center.
Uses
Cushions that support your spine can help you get a good night's sleep and provide comfort while at work, home or in your car. Use a pillow between your knees while sleeping on your side during the night. If you sleep on your back, placing a cushion beneath your knees may help align your spine. A travel pillow helps support your head in an upright position, allowing you to sleep in a car or airplane. Lumbar support cushions come in various designs that allow you to use them in your car, office chair or recliner. Donut pillows help to relieve pressure on the lower portion of your spine, called the coccyx or tailbone, minimizing pain associated with injuries to the base of the spinal column.
