If you are a senior, you may often feel that you are losing control of your body or your body is not as flexible it once was. Do not worry as these feelings are quite common. The best thing you can do in such a situation is to seek the right tools that help you live your life peacefully and with minimal dependence on other people.
A prime example of tools that can help a senior to live pain-free and somewhat independent life are back support products available at Halo Health Care that help a senior avoid back pain and also help in preventing further damage to the sensitive back of a senior. If you are not sure about what kind of back supports you need then here are a few options you must check out.
1. Back Belts
Back belts are available for different people who want to do different things. For instance, Athletes use back belts during weight lifting for back support. The most suitable back belts for seniors are elastic lightweight belts that are often held in place with suspenders and offer relief to people who have low back pain due to reasons like aging muscles or falls (over 256,000 older Canadians reported fall-related injury in 2009-2010). These belts stiffen the spine, boost intra-abdominal pressure, reduce forces on the spine, and decrease loads during lifting among other things.
2. Lumbar Support Pillows
These pillows offer support to ensure that your spine remains in a natural position. They also ease back pain and are available with different foam options. The memory foam option is a good one if you are buying such a pillow for the first time. These pillows are best for seniors who have to sit in a place for hours, travel often or those who have lumbar disk problems and often deal with not only back pain but pain down the legs as well.
3. Shower Chairs
Also known as bath benches, bath chairs, shower stools, shower seats or shower benches, these equipment offer support and assistance to seniors who feel that they can’t stand alone safely in the bathroom. These help prevent the bathroom accidents by allowing a senior to take a bath or shower with ease.
4. Massage Cushions & Chairs
Massage cushions are a must have option for seniors who can access them as they provide innumerable benefits that range from pain relief to improved blood circulation to better sleep. If you want more pain relief and hope to feel cared for, you can also invest in a massage chair that’s not too bulky, space consuming or costly. While picking a massage chair, choose an option that can be moved easily and transported from one part of the home to the other.
5. Decompression Belts
If you are a senior who suffers from back pain due to bulging, herniated or degenerative discs, you can buy a decompression belt that offers decompression therapy and gentle clinical grade traction. These belts offer relief in both chronic and acute pain scenarios.
How to Choose the Right Supports for Seniors with Back Problems?
It is hoped that by now you have selected the back-support products you need the most. If so, you should read on and know about the process of selecting the right back support products that are worth every penny. Just follow the below-mentioned tips, and you’ll do fine.
Ø Check Durability
The first thing you should look for in a back-support device is that it should be durable. Read about the materials the support is made up of and make sure that you pick the one with materials that can deal with the test of time. To ensure that the back support lasts long before buying, you should read the customer reviews of the product and get an idea of how reliable the manufacturer is.
Ø Make Sure Its Skin Friendly
If you are buying a back-support device that comes in contact with your skin constantly, you should make sure that the device is breathable. It will ensure that the belt doesn’t harm your skin in any manner. You should also stick to the instructions when it comes to caring for your skin like remove the support after the prescribed time like after an hour to ensure that you don’t feel uncomfortable.
Ø Remember the Costs
It is also a smart idea to choose back support that is affordable and fits within your budget. There is no point in buying an expensive support option if you regret buying it for long. If you think that the product you have shortlisted is too pricey, it’s smart to consider another option. It is also smart to look for value for money products that offer relief for years and prevent you from pain.
After you have learned about supports for seniors with back problems, you should also consider some back injury prevention tips that ensure you don’t need these supports.
