Stretches to Improve Lumbar Support

No matter your daily routine or level of back health, a few lumbar-focused exercises can help increase flexibility. Because these moves are specifically designed to loosen muscles and strengthen the core, their focused actions add stability right where you need it most. From the spine, to the hips, to the entire lumbar section, a few stretches and/or exercises each day can greatly improve one’s lower back.

First, start with small stretches to get your muscles loosened and warmed up. Exercising on “cold” muscles – especially within an already injured area – can greatly increase the risk for tightness and ongoing pains. This can be done by simply bending at the waist and reaching for your toes, leaning side to side, or bending sideways with an arm above your head. Start slow to see which movements ting or pull in the back; you will also increase your flexibility over time.

Bach Arch

This move is done standing, with feet placed shoulder-width apart. Palms should sit on the lower back while you bend backward and take deep breaths. Hold for five seconds and repeat multiple times.

The Pelvic Tilt

Next, try lying on your back and placing your arms flat on the floor, knees should be bent with the bottom of your shoes also on the floor. Now, press your rear into the floor so the base of the spine makes contact. Hold this for a few seconds and repeat several times.

Side Stretches

Similar to warm up movements above, the side stretch can help loosen muscles that are harder to locate in “regular” poses. Place one arm straight up into the air and bend the side toward that arm until you feel it stretch. Hold and alternate sides/arms for an even, thorough stretch. [Nismat]

Gaining flexibility throughout the lumbar and lower back is one of the quickest and easiest ways to add strength. Incorporate these moves into your daily routine for a stronger, less painful lower back.

Continue Reading

New Product! Contour’s Double Back Cushion

In our ever-growing repertoire of back relief products now comes a brand new revolutionary product: the Double Back Cushion. Contour’s latest release and offering two solutions in one, this new type of cushion is one we’re happy to stock our shelves with … and just in time for the holidays.

But what exactly does this “Double Back” thing have to offer?

As its name suggests, the pillow is two products in one – a stuffed leg pillow and a foam lumbar support wrap. Simply unroll for lumbar structure, or roll into its pillow form for comfort with added height.

The Double Back pillow can be used in a wide variety of combinations so patients can get the most out of their treatment options.

The “duo” works great as a supportive neck pillow; try it on the couch, in the car, or when traveling for a comfortable way to squeeze in some rest. But that’s not all the Double Back Cushion can do. When used on the back, stomach, or legs, it offers some serious relief. Place the pillow between the legs or under the ankles for cushioned relaxation, while the lumbar foam section offers mid and lower back alignment.

For those with ongoing discomfort, the duo is made to offer relief in specific pressure point areas.

Added features:

• Sleepers in all positions can use the pillow, whether sleeping on their side, back, or stomach.
• The Double Back is made to support both the cervical spine and the lumbar areas.
• With this product, spines receive cushioned alignment, along with the hips and knees. No more twisting or pressure during sleep.
• In its lumbar position, the pillow is 27 inches long, while its pillow counterpart measures 10.5 inches tall and 8 inches wide.

From holiday shopping to personalized back support, Contour’s new Double Back Cushion has something to offer everyone.

Shop today to receive our special intro sale price.

Continue Reading

The Benefits of Lumbar-Focused Exercise

No matter what type of shape your back is in, strengthening the lumbar area is a great way to improve its health. Stretching, moving, and exercise all work to get your back breathing and working correctly. Whether injured, in slight pain, or dealing with a healthy, pain-free back, making sure it’s properly supported can reduce any future or ongoing issues. Think about it – legs need to walk, arms need to move, hips need to turn – why shouldn’t the back get special treatment as well?

But that’s just a portion of the benefits that lumbar exercises have to offer.

With stretches alone, the lumbar area can loosen, relax, and even lengthen itself. This means added comfort, support, and an easy way to help gently brush away recurring pains. This goes for legs and rear stretches as well. Both muscles correlate with the back, and stretching them will travel up and into the area that needs it most. The more regularly you stretch, the more benefits that can be found from keeping a loosened back.

Another added benefit comes from removing pressure. Through chair (or bench), step, or medicine ball work, you can easily remove bodyweight and pressure from the back. This allows the body to gain some much needed relief, not to mention lessen any swelling or excess weight that may be causing additional pain.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, lumbar exercises, strengths, and conditions the entire back. This means that during new or strenuous activity, the area is ready for whatever it may encounter. Not only does this reduce the chance of an injury, it’s great motivation to stay in shape. Regular movement = healthy back.

To keep your entire lumbar area in healthy working order, consider adding back-orientated exercises into your daily routine.

Stay tuned for even more back-related strength and exercise tips.

Continue Reading

10 Pillows in 1 - The new Flip Pillow

See the new Flip Pillow by Contour Products - get 10 pillows in 1!

Whether you buy one or more Flip Pillows, you can arrange them in a huge variety of positions, placements and areas of your body to satisfy so many so needs.

• Place the Flip Pillow under your upper body to act as a wedge, gently elevating you body during sleep
• Place under arms to make reading on your stomach a breeze
• Then simply go to sleep - the Flip Pillow makes a great stomach sleeping pillow
• Prop up behind back for upright support
• Use behind back, neck and head for support while relaxing on couch
• Flip the wedge out of the way and use the smaller portion as a bed pillow
• Use under your legs to elevate knees for improved circulation and to ease lower back pain
• Place Flip Pillow under feet to elevate and soothe tired feet
• Place the Flip Pillow in any chair to improve posture and lower back (lumbar support
• Helps to allow reading in multiple style chairs
• Use two Flip Pillows for a combination wedge and knee support

Create your own unique positions.  Now the Flip Pillow comes in larger queen and king sizes as well.

Makes a great gift for yourself or someone you love.  get yours today!

• 
  

Continue Reading

New Seat Cushions at Contour Living

New Products this week include the total comfort pillow, several ring shaped (donut) cushions, wheelchair cushions, and two new foam back support cushions. Prices are great and all are in stock - so act now! See these and other great seating solutions in our new seating category

Continue Reading

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

Continue Reading

Freedom Back Lumbar Chair Video on YouTube

The original TV commercial for the Freedom Back lumbar support pad is available on You Tube. See for yourself how this pad supports your entire back, with emphasis on the lumbar area, and can turn any chair into an ergonomic chair. Perfect for office, task and computer chairs, but also suitable for car seats and practically anwhere else you might require ergonomic back support.

Buy your Freedom Back Lumbar Support Pad at Contour Living.

Continue Reading

New Portable Back Lumbar Support

Support your back while traveling like never before with the Contour Travel Back. This lightweight and portable lumbar support flattens and easily fits into the smallest briefcase without posing a weight or space burden. Suitable to a variety of situations, the Travel Back is adjustable both in the degree of lumbar support and its position. No need to worry about blowing up an air chamber or deflating upon arrival, simply fold the travel back up and place in your bag. It’s that simple, and you’ll be amazed at what a big difference this small support makes for your back while traveling.

• 4-position lumbar support
• Folds flat for easy storage in purse, briefcase or glove-box
• Built-in hook fasteners attach to virtually any seat back and allow for location adjustment
• Winged sides fold in to protect adhesive
• Ventilation holes provide breath-ability
• Center slots provide softer comfort for spine

Check out the Travel Back Support Today

Continue Reading