Eliminate Coccyx Pain With Sitting Habits

Whether we like it or not, sitting is one of the most frequent things we do each and every day. From work, to eating, to relaxing in the evenings, taking a load off is practically an American past time. And though the reasons may change, the amount of time spent on one’s rear rarely does. If one day we go on a long walk or spend some time on yard work, the next it might be raining and require an indoor reading session. There’s always a turn of events sending us into the nearest chair.

However, if not sitting on the proper chairs or cushions, serious side effects can occur, such as back pain, aches, or throbbing of the coccyx – or tailbone. Without support that works to align and protect these body parts, our sitting practices can actually cause more harm than they do rest or relaxation.

To help ease the coccyx pain, consider your everyday sitting habits. This can include chair health, available cushions, posture, and frequency in which one disperses their weight. The more often you sit in unfavorable positions, the more likely you are to experience ongoing pain. Which is why it’s all the more important to sit correctly.

To improve your sitting habits remember to:

• Pay attention to posture – though it’s easy to forget, sitting at a 90-degree angle can help the body stay alert while keeping one’s spine in check.
• Consider a new seat or back support pillow that transfers, no matter where you’re sitting. These models fit in the car, office chair, couch, or any public sitting scenario.
• Stretch – with your doctor’s approval, try various stretching or movement exercises to keep the blood flowing. This added movement can offer pain relief through regular muscle relaxation.
• Stand when possible – oftentimes coccyx pain occurs from regular sitting. By walking or standing when time allows, stress can be taken off of the back and therefore alleviating some of that pain.

For chronic sufferers, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about what options are available to treat and cure coccyx pain. You can also reach out to various support groups to talk with others who are dealing with the same symptoms.

While tailbone pain is a serious problem, there are also steps to be taken, specifically by the way you sit and handle everyday back-related events. For mild cases or intermittent relief, remember to follow the above; sitting habits can greatly and easily improve one’s health.

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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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Add “Back Support” to your Travel List

Planes, trains, and automobiles – as the old saying goes – are often a necessary choice when traveling across town, state, or even the world. No matter the distance, these vehicles get us where we need to go – hopefully in a timely fashion. However, when made for speed and distance, some transportation machines don’t have all the necessary comfort features that we’d like. For instance, headrests that are made for those over six feet, cushions that are too spongy, and seats that are often worn out from seating multiple travelers.

Of course, adjustments can be made to personal vehicles, such as your car or a bus seat. (Which are bulky, but provide ample cushion.) But when it comes to airplanes or long rides with a friend, sometimes the basics just won’t cut it.

However, thanks to a small travel carry along item, your comfort issues can be easily fixed.

Comfort That Defies Location

With the Contour Travel Back Support cushion, journeys of all lengths can be met with the proper spinal and rear adjustments. Simply attach the small travel piece to the back of your chair, and enjoy hours of extra back support. Through turbulence, red lights, and any kind of traffic jam, your back will be properly held into place. The cushion even folds down flat for easy storage. Keep it in your purse, carry on luggage, or slide in next to your newspaper; the cushion is so small and lightweight, it’s hardly noticeable.

The Back Support features can also be customized for the individual traveler. Because it sticks to your chair (or cushion’s) back, it can be set on any height. Use it for the lower back, mid-range, or upper back to address any section of pain. Then set it to firm, soft, or anywhere in between – it’s truly made to support any back needs. 

The Travel Back also comes with:

• Four-position lumbar support
• Folding flat capabilities
• Built-in hook fasteners
• Winged sides to protect adhesive
• Ventilation holes
• Center slots for spine placement

Coming in as one of Contour’s more affordable products, the Travel Back Support is a must-have for the frequent (and no so frequent) traveler. With its versatility, ability to provide support, and ease and which it can be transported, this is a product every traveler should keep on their packing list.

To learn more about the Contour Travel Back Support or to order yours today, head to our product page.

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Need a Gift for the Person Who Has Everything?

Shopping for gifts can be a tough gig … especially when the receiver has everything. Whether they buy for themselves or just happen to have collected a lot of items over the years, gift giving has never been more difficult. So what do you do when there’s nothing to give? Gift cards, gourmet foods, or homemade items are always available, but unless you have a clear idea of their tastes and favorite shopping stops, even they can easily go awry.

The next time you’re in need of a quick gift, consider giving the present of comfort. From a new neck pillow, something to help with traveling (and is appropriately sized), or a cushion to help support the perpetual sitter, Contour Living has a variety of products that are great for any occasion. Best of all, you can order something in any size or price range. From those who are closest to you to a new acquaintance, it’s easy to find the just-right item.

Comfort Gift Ideas

•  Neck support pillows (in self cooling and regular versions) – these pillows offer customizable support in a way that helps alignment for overall improved health. With each use the neck pillows offer a better fit – all without losing shape.
•  Body pillows – these full-size versions are great for sleeping all night or lounging before bed. Choose from a variety of options to find the best material and fit for each giftee.
•  Seating products – for the office worker or anyone with an injured back, these seating cushions and add-ons make the perfect fit. Pick a product that fastens to a chair, or is worn as a belt – there are models to serve almost any ailment.
  

And if you’re still stumped as to what to give this all-having one, head to the gift page, where all our best sellers are lined up in one convenient spot. With the informative descriptions and fact sheets, it’s easy to find a one-of-a-kind gift for each birthday or housewarming event. Or, stock up during free shipping events and be sure to have an extra Contour gift on hand, no matter the occasion.

Because these pillow and comfort items are both helpful and unique, they make a great personalized gift. Pick them up for a friend’s birthday, a graduation, anniversary party, or keep a few on hand for housewarming presents. You may just even find something for yourself as well! 

Head to the tabs above to get started shopping today.

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Is your Bed Ergonomically Sound?

For most, the idea of choosing a mattress is pretty much a no-brainer. So long as it’s comfortable, within the right price range, and fits the frame, it seems to be a good choice. Right? But there’s actually a whole new side to buying mattresses that are rarely considered – ergonomics. Just like setting up one’s office desk, driver’s seat, or cooking station, a bed can be made more ergonomically sound.

It’s frequency – after all, you sleep in it every night for multiple hours at a time – makes these adjustments even more prevalent. When purchasing or setting up a new bedroom set, consider the ergonomics a comfortable night’s sleep that will help prevent future aches and pains.

What Makes Sleeping Quarters Ergonomic?

Though it can be argued that once a person’s in the bed, few other measurements matter, that’s not to say they won’t have some type of effect. For instance, hosting a bed that is too short or too tall may not seem like a big deal. But after years of jumping or slouching onto the bed, a bodily pattern begins to emerge. This may or may not be painful, but sticking to an agronomical design is the only way to avoid symptoms altogether.

Other factors include the mattress itself – obviously it should be free from indentions, lumps, or sags – as well as reading or TV watching before sleep. If regularly used for entertainment purposes, be sure your bed offers ergonomic options. This can include reclining buttons or controls, pillows that properly support, or mattress placement. Be sure that the TV angle isn’t too severe, which can help avoid neck or vision straining.

Check with an ergonomics expert, or look to placement guides to find the best fit for your specific bedroom and mattress height/placement.

Though changing your bedroom to be more ergonomic may sound like a daunting task, knowledge is half the battle. Just being aware as to what makes a healthy location decision allows you to choose better adjustments along the way. Even when a new bedroom set and/or TV location isn’t in the works.

Now What?

Remember to keep these ergonomic tips in mind when purchasing a new pillow, lounging in the recliner, or reading before bed. Self awareness can allow for a better setup and back support without spending money or rearranging the house.

However, new supportive pillows are a happy medium. Consider them for a better ergonomic flow without breaking the bank.

And to learn more about back and bedroom health, be sure to check out our Back to Health website.

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CPAP Therapy and How it Can Help

CPAP – also known as continuous positive airway pressure – is a growing treatment among those with breathing problems. Whether sleep induced or caused by another form of sickness, CPAP helps patients young and old maintain a healthy breathing pattern while sleeping. The therapy is most often seen in those with sleep apnea and babies with lungs that are not yet developed.

With the former, CPAP helps keep air moving so patients won’t wake up from breathing interruptions. By keeping airways open with this constantly moving oxygen, patients no longer suffer from frequent waking, which is caused by collapsed airwaves during sleep. While, with infants, breathing treatments allows lungs to rest and grow while a machine takes care of the air flow. That way young, underdeveloped lungs don’t get tired out before they’re able to naturally expand.

What Exactly Does CPAP Do?

Consisting of a mask, machine, and a tube that connects the two, the CPAP machine pushes a constant flow of oxygen. One wears the machine at night to receive breathing assistance until morning, or whenever a doctor deems necessary. The mask comes in all sizes so it can properly fit each patient, and sits atop the nose. Some versions cover both the nose and mouth, while both come with straps to keep the mask securely (but comfortably) in place.

Most machines are small, lightweight, and create soft, rhythmic noise as to not interrupt the sleeper. Specialized versions also come with humidifiers or heaters, depending on the specific type of treatment. CPAP machines are easily portable, helping those that travel regularly or need the machine throughout the day.

Compared with alternate breathing treatments, CPAP machines are known to be much less invasive than ventilators or steroids (used to strengthen infants’ lungs). Oftentimes they are chosen first to create a more natural treatment regimen. 

How to Get Started

CPAP users must first be diagnosed by a doctor. Once receiving a prescription, patients work with a home equipment or medical provider to find the best machine to fit each person’s size and condition. It’s also likely follow ups will take place to ensure the equipment is still as efficient as possible, and that symptoms are being effectively treated with CPAP’s help.

Though it’s used to treat a wide variety of medical instances, CPAP therapy has shown to offer a great deal of support for both breathing and sleeping problems.

To find out more about CPAP and better sleep, check out our articles page.

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Sleep on Cloud 9 with Contour’s Cloud Memory Foam Pillow

Having “slept on a cloud” may sound line a growing cliché. Where, in the land of dreams, sleepers enter at their leisure, obtain a wonderful night of rest, and then return to their beds, fully recharged and ready to take on the day. (There may or may not be a realm of floating clouds that play harp music 24 hours a day, too.) Cheesy as that may sound, it also seems like a great way to spend the night. No one wants to toss and turn, or wake up with a crook in the neck.

So stop waking up in pain already! If it’s as easy as getting some new gear for your bed, why not take action for more restful, comfortable nights?

With the help of the Contour Cloud Memory Foam Pillow you can gain access to a pillow that fits your form every time you use it. The more nights’ sleep you’ve had with the Cloud, the better it will fit your head and neck shape -- and all while you’re catching some Zs. Simply stick to your regular nighttime routine to see immediate results in comfort, pain relief, and added support.

Build with three layers of quality materials, sleepers can rest assured this pillow will lead them to the perfect night’s sleep they’ve always wanted.

Why Three Layers?

The Cloud Memory Foam Pillow comes with multiple layers for a specific reason – each has its own duty in the process of custom head support. First comes a white, soft memory foam layer; this section molds to your head and back to provide a level of comfort we call “cloud-like.” Next, the yellow, more firm layer works to support the head and neck as you sleep. This area of the pillow helps reduce aches and pains by holding the spine steady. Both of those layers sit atop a blue “support base,” which works to keep the entire pillow in place. Without it, the Cloud’s lifespan would be significantly reduced, as it holds all the pieces together in a firm upright position.

The Cloud pillow is also created in a unique shape so that it can hold the head and neck in place at the same time, but without compromising one or the other.

With everything the Cloud Memory Foam pillow has to offer, it’s no wonder it’s our number one pillow! Try it for yourself to achieve a comfortable, cloud-like sleeping experience.

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How to Improve Back Health at the Office

When sitting for most of the working day, finding a comfortable (and back healthy) position can be a difficult task. It may be easier to type on the computer, enter data, or browse websites from the sitting position, but that doesn’t mean it’s doing our backs or rear ends any favors. Chances are, by the end of the week, it’s taken its toll. You might have pains, aches, numbness, or even just restless legs that are ready to walk and explore the office.

By taking a few steps to better prepare for prolonged sitting, you can work to diminish these negative effects.

To achieve better sitting health:

Purchase a lumbar support pillow

Made specifically for lower back support, these cushions keep your seat seated in a firm, yet comfortable position. It will also better align the back for a more appealing posture.

Adjust office equipment

Is your office ergonomically sound? Consider the height of your chair, keyboard, or mouse when arranging a desk. Elbows and knees should sit at a 90-degree angle, and backs shouldn’t slouch or bend. These simple fixes could help greatly reduce sitting-related pain.

Get regular exercise

During a break, be sure and get in plenty of walking time. This can be done on a work treadmill, around the office, or, weather permitting, outside. Take 10 or 15 minutes to do some stretches and get the body pumping. This change of pace can greatly improve circulation and muscle tension.

Stretch the back

When sitting, stretch your arms, back, and neck. When stagnant for too long the body can tense up; even quick, irregular stretches can offer a needed movement to get the body out of its sitting-too-long funk.

Get a new chair

Is your chair more than a few years old? If so it may not be lacking in both comfort and support. Look for a new model with the proper backand rear support, and the ability to adjust both horizontal and vertical settings. Moving both pieces offer the only way to get a custom ergonomic fit.

Eating a healthy diet can also improve one’s sitting health, by making sure you’re awake and alert (and not slouching) throughout the day. From posture to diet to whatever it is you’re sitting on, remember there are plenty of back health fixes. Whenever sitting for long periods at a time, look to the above for a list of easy fixes to an ongoing problem.

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