The Best Types of Back-Friendly Luggage

When traveling, even the most planned of trips often come with a snafu. Whether a flight was delayed, you got hung up in security, or the line for coffee was just way too long, things never seem to go as planned. When dealing with body aches, however, the annoyance level is only magnified. Which is why it’s a good idea to make the things we can control go as smoothly as possible, such as luggage.

Whether or not you deal from back pains, carrying a heavy suitcase through an airport is bound to cause a few sore muscles. Rather than toting this item from plane to plane, consider choosing luggage that’s easier to maneuver instead. 

Suitcases That Make Life Easier

First off, decide whether you’ll be checking your bag or taking it with you. While the latter might save a few funds, it can also cause more in the way of hassle and frustration. Before hauling all your belongings through the airport, consider checking it for a weight-free travel experience. While it will cost a little more, it will free you up for ease of movement and leave your back rested.

Whether carrying on or checking, however, wheels are your friend. Generally, four-wheeled suitcases are the easiest to maneuver. Two will also allow fluid motion, but with more weight resting on the arm, wrist, and shoulder. 

Next, think of your “personal item,” or purse/bag that you’re allowed on the plane. Oftentimes these are packed full of essentials and become heavy. Rather than leaving this to one shoulder, opt for a backpack, which will distribute it evenly across the back. Purses and other smaller bags can also be stored within book bags so as to not leave you without a smaller version upon landing. 

When flying, remember that suitcases can have a large (and weighted) impact on your body. Look to these ergonomic options to avoid excess weight when heading to a relaxation vacation.

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Famous Back Pain Sufferers

Coming in all shapes and intensities, back pain is an ailment that affects thousands each day. There are those with previous injuries, regular aches, and ongoing treatment regimens to level out the discomfort. Which is why it should come as no surprise that those throughout history have commonly suffered from back aches. Famous or not, back injuries affect those of all backgrounds and professions. 

George Clooney

He may play it calm and collected on screen, but the star suffered an extreme injury when shooting 2005’s Syrinia. During a stunt scene, Clooney fell and tore his dura, which is a protective layer that holds spinal fluid. Though he’s undergone multiple surgeries, the actor still experiences ongoing pains.

Kathleen Turner

A long-term sufferer of rheumatoid arthritis, actress Kathleen Turner says there was one point in her life where it hurt to do anything, including walk. She has since been in remission, after finding a new form of medicine, and continues to provide outreach about the disease.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Best known for his painting style back in the 1800s, artist Renoir also suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. However, because of the time, he received little treatment for his condition. He suffered through much of his life, though he continued to paint on a daily basis.

JFK

It’s common knowledge that the late president suffered from intense back pain throughout his presidency. JFK was also diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, which is known to cause backaches via the digestive system.

Jennifer Grey

After a 20-year old accident left the Dirty Dancing star using ice and pain medication to manage her pain, she took a turn for the worse. In 2010’s season of Dancing with the Stars, she ruptured a lower back disc. The injury required surgery to correct, which worked to greatly reduce her pain. [Heritage, Prevention]

No matter the activity or task, back injuries can take place any place or time. Look to these cases as a source of hope and advancement on how far medical technology has come.

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The Best Chairs to Reduce Coccyx Pain

From reducing pressure to offering as much cushion as possible, there are several types of chairs that reduce tailbone pain. Each is designed to adjust the way you sit so weight is distributed more evenly, and doesn’t rest solely on the coccyx area. Check out these recommended chairs that offer the maximum levels of lower back relief.

Kneeling Chairs

Whether makeshift stool or actual chair, these versions place the weight on the legs and knees rather than the rear. “Sit” on this specialty-made incline to alleviate pressure where it can cause the most pain. Most are adjustable and come with ample knee padding.

Stools

With a number of available sizes and makes, these canvas-covered stools are made to fit any size. Perch on the edge to avoid tailbone pressure, or sink into the tripod model to maximize weightlessness.

Director’s Chairs

Made to sag, the director’s chair is great for all levels of coccyx pain. Find a traditional model, or a lowered version (such as a lawn chair or office version) for a gentle sitting option, no matter where you’re headed.

Medicine Ball

Because it’s inflatable and “gives,” a medicine ball is a great option to help combat tailbone pain. Adjust your posture as you go, and roll the ball to find a comfortable lower back position.

Zero Gravity Chairs

Though this option may be hard to use at a desk, it’s great for relaxing after a long day of back pain. Use it to remove the strain and pull from the lower back, which is a direct cause of coccyx inflammation.

The Toilet

Believe it or not, coccyx sufferers agree that the toilet is one of the most comfortable places to sit. The cutout middle provides relief exactly where it’s needed most. Consider taking an extra rest in the bathroom, or as some have done, find a new model solely for sitting purposes.

To learn more about your sitting options, head to Coccyx.org.

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Can Acupuncture Relieve Back Pain?

When we think about ways to relieve pain, few are comforted by the thought of having needles shoved into their skin. But despite the theory behind acupuncture, it’s a treatment that’s been shown to relieve a great deal of pain and stress. Working by sticking needles into strategic points in one’s skin (and at varying depths), the practice is meant to poke and prod away pain.

So does it work on backs? While the science behind the treatment is shaky – some say yes, some say no – patients to test the practice give acupuncture two thumbs up. According to their assessments, extra pain up front equals less pain overall. As for the doctors, even they agree that acupuncture provides more relief than no treatment whatsoever. [Mayo Clinic]

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Using very thin needles, a trained professional places them into a patient’s skin. Known as “acupoints,” the needles are put in specific places that will help reduce pain and stress. It is thought that stimulation these various points allows the body to naturally heal itself, providing enhanced abilities.

Each person hosts about 2,000 acupoints across their body. Obviously not all of them can be accessed in a single setting, however, some believe that more needles equals more results. You can also talk with your acupuncturist about different pains you’re experiencing to ensure affected areas will see results.

Additionally, those who receive regular treatments are able to see which areas provide the best results.

Different Types of Acupuncture

There are at least five different types of acupuncture, each of which offers a different format. For instance, Auricular acupuncture deals only with ears. Hosting over 200 acupoints each, a person can gain relief throughout their entire body while only hosting punctures in their ears. In contrast, traditional Chinese acupuncture covers the entire body, and even stimulates the organs. Japanese acupuncture is quite similar, though its needles are shorter and thinner. This is a good option to anyone experiencing fear and anxiety about the needles.

There are also five element and Korean hand acupunctures – the first of which gives spirit and mind relief, while the latter focuses on one’s hands. [Discovery Fit and Health]

Though acupuncture is a very personal experience, it’s generally said that full-bodied options provide the best back pain relief, especially in the lower back. Talk to your acupuncturist to see which options may work best, or give varied treatments a try and compare notes.

While it may sound like a nerve-wracking process, acupuncture is shown to provide a great deal of pain relief. Sign up today to see just what the practice has to offer.

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Make the Workday go Faster with an Office Chair Cushion

Sitting long hours on any surface isn’t exactly a day at the beach – unless you’re sitting on an actual beach that is, and even then squishing through sand is less than comfortable. No matter what the surface, rear ends simply weren’t made to withstand hours of repeat sitting. From office chair, to couch, to lawn chair sunk into the sand, there comes a point when everyone gets uncomfortable. Maybe numbing takes place, maybe pain, or perhaps your back even begins to hurt – no matter the results, it’s time to quit suffering from long-term sitting engagements.

One of the most common causes of sitting comes from office work. Employees of all kinds sit at a desk for hours at a time compiling paper and computer work – most of which cannot be done while standing, walking, or getting much movement of any kind. (Other than typing, that is.)

To combat these pains, consider the addition of an office chair cushion. Small, compact, and supremely comfortable, these pint-size cushions offer an added bit of spring to help relieve the all-day sitter’s pains.

Chair Cushion Options

From back support to extra padding for the rear, there are a number of different types of cushions. Test out a style or two before making a permanent decision, or see what others have to say about their specific needs. And for those with chronic or ongoing pains, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about which chair cushion type will best fit your needs.

Medical cushions are padded and made specifically to add extra support right where it’s needed most. Some models even offer a donut or rounded area for added comfort without the bulk.

Seat back support cushions cover the back of the chair rather than the bottom. These versions work to keep the spine in place – whether through placement or cushion. Back support cushions are great for those with back pain, or when wanting to keep the spine in its proper location.

Finally, seat cushions offer comfort and padding to any sitting surface. Place them on your office chair, keep one in the car while driving, and then use it at the dinner table. No matter the cause for your pain, these seat cushions are meant to offer plush pain relief in any sitting setting.

Despite the work load placed on your desk each day, you can rest easy knowing there’s a comfortable office chair cushion waiting. Remember to keep in tow for all of your long-term sitting engagements.

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New Cushion to Compliment Freedom Back Lumbar Support

Brand new from Contour Products: The Freedom Seat cushion. It has 7 distinct features to improve your back comfort while seated! The Freedom Seat’s wedge shape restores your lumbar curve and comforts spinal discs, while its coccyx tailbone cutout minimizes pressure build-up in the tailbone area. The cushion’s cradling edge design positions your hips for better posture. Plus, shallow surface dimples in the seat portion and a breathable cover enhance softness and provide better air flow - keeping you cooler.

The Freedom Seat cushion is constructed of highly resilient foam designed to distribute the body’s weight evenly, reducing pressure points on the body and muscles.

It’s great for home use and also for improved support and comfort in wheelchairs, in autos, or traveling.

Learn more about this innovative seat cushion.

• Tailbone Relief Cutout - The "Zero Pressure Tailbone Cutout" for coccyx area, minimizes direct contact between the sensitive tailbone are and the seating surface. This reduces uncomfortable stress and pressure which can build-up during prolonged seating.
• Highly Resilient Material High-Density foam provides better support and even distribution of your body's weight, reducing uncomfortable pressure points around the pelvic bone.
• Cradling Edge Design - Graduated edge of seat cushion positions hips for better alignment and posture.
• Contoured Surface - Curved front design avoids pressure on lower thigh.
• Anatomic Shape - Anatomic shape contours to fit the curves of your lower body for a comfortable seat - anywhere you go.
• Breathable Cover - Soft, breathable cover to ensure all day comfort.
• Wedge Shape - Angled wedge design rotates your pelvis, reducing strain on the lower spine. Helps restore your lumbar curve and comforts spinal discs.
  
• New Surface Dimples! - Enhance softness and air ventilation

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Comparison of Popular back Support Belts

Differences Between the LumboLoc, LumboTrain and LordoLoc Back Supports by Bauerfeind

The LumboLoc, LumboTrain and LordoLoc Back Supports from Bauerfeind all address some of the same indications but with different features. This presents customers with a more complete "system" including a wider variety of choices.

Visco-elastic Insert
Of these three back supports, LumboTrain is the only one that comes with a triangular shaped visco-elastic insert. This insert includes 26 massaging nodules which provide additional support plus a massaging effect to the lumbar spine.

Stays
The LordoLoc back support and the LumboLoc back support each have four anatomically contoured spring steel stays which facilitate correct posture in the lumbar spine. The LordoLoc features longer, thinner stays (two on each side of the spinal column). The LumboLoc has shorter and wider stays that are uniquely placed for optimal posture. The LumboTrain includes two flexible plastic stays, one on each side which prevent migration and rolling.

Active versus Degree of Stabilization
The LumboTrain is an active back support intended to be worn while the patient is engaged in day to day activities and/or while playing sports. The self-adjustable, visco-elastic insert, along with compression, provides an intermittent massage to relieve pain and give an additional sense of support to the lower back.

The LordoLoc and LumboLoc back supports are meant to be worn strictly as stabilizing orthoses. Both orthoses are to be worn as a static brace or with moderate to light movement intended. The LumboLoc has a thicker, more compressible material that feels tighter than the LordoLoc, at least on initial fitting. This is meant for younger, stronger patients who have low back pain. On the other hand, the LordoLoc has a less "compressible" feeling. this is more ideal for older and frail patients that have the option of additional compression with the two additional straps.

Strap System
All three of these back supports have hand pockets that make dressing easy and painless, for even the weakest patients. The LordoLoc is unique in that it also has two additional elastic tension straps to permit individually adjustable compression and thus variable adjustment of the stabilization.

Low Profile
All three back supports are lightweight and streamlined to fit against the body to create a low-profile therapy.

Sizes
All three of the back supports by Bauerfeind are available in 6 sizes based on a loose measurement of the waist.


See these Back Supports here

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