Back Support Wedge  

Millions of us suffer from some degree of back pain. A back support wedge could provide a low-cost, non-intrusive medical alternative. The causes may range from plain stress, over-exertion, the neck not being properly supported in sleep, injuries, being overweight, poor posture when walking or sitting for long periods of time. Wedges designed for back support help align the spinal column and relieve pressure on over-sensitive nerve endings. If not addressed, these symptoms may lead to many other discomforts throughout the body. They also are designed to help encourage overall proper posture.

The benefits of using back support items can be incorporated in almost every aspect of your daily life. Using one at the office can increase productivity and improve focus if you might be stuck in a poorly designed chair all day. There is a difference between support wedges and common lower back or lumbar support items. These are usually more of an arched or concave design which follows the inward curvature of the spine. They can easily be moved from the office to the car and secured with their attached straps. They certainly provide comfort and relief for those with certain needs.

Kinetic Diversified Industries, Inc. was founded by Dr. J. Patrick Fleming, Sr. in 1987 and is credited for being the original designer of the wedge type of support. Marketing as Tush Cush, they offer the "Car Cush" and the "Compu-Cush" which are 13" x 16" in size, and the original Tush Cush measures 14" x 18." Both taper from 3 to 1 inch thickness. An additional "Extra Firm - Tush Cush" is recommended for those that weigh over 200 pounds and is made of extra firm foam. Their newest model, the "Extended Tush Cush" ' is 15" x 20" and designed for larger chairs and those confined to wheelchairs, in regular or extra firm foam. All of the models include a convenient carrying handle, built-in, where the cut out for the tailbone is located and come in a variety of covers.

Jobri is a company that offers models on this same theme that will come with a removable piece where the tailbone (coccyx) would make contact with the seat. Jobri offers two models, the "Visco Wedge with Removable Coccyx Cut-Out" and the "Sacro Wedge Plus" (with the permanent cutout for the coccyx area.) They are made of high quality foam in either standard or a more firm type, and offer removable, washable covers in various colors. They also have a large "Spine Reliever Bed Wedge" with a removable neck support that adjusts with a Velcro fastener. It is made with memory foam and offers two positions for reclining. 

What you might find, like so many already have, with each use, in each situation, the benefits seem to be accumulative. As we focus more on maintaining proper posture in every circumstance, we may well find ourselves experiencing less pain overall. For the relative inexpensive cost of a back support wedge, these handy tools may well turn out to be some of the best investments one can make for overall health, well being and long-term comfort.