Back Pain? 7 Tips To Choosing the Best Back Cushion

Almost 65 million Americans have reported having recent back pain, according to a study by Georgetown University. If you live with chronic back pain, you know how it can negatively affect your everyday life. Suddenly, everything is about trying to adjust your lifestyle so you aren’t constantly suffering.

Back pain is one of the most common problems, yet not many people know exactly how to solve it. One great and easy way to provide your back with some relief is a back cushion. Though there are tons of different kinds, these seven tips can help you choose the best back cushion for you. Read on and discover your comfort! 

1. Shape

When first searching for your back cushion, you want to make sure you’re looking for something that will solve your particular back pain, and not just any back pain. The shape of the cushion will determine where the support is, which can also help you cancel out other cushions that wouldn’t work for you.

Generally, cushions come in two shapes: flat and U-shaped. The U-shaped cushions are contoured, which makes them a better choice for back pain. These cushions can provide support for your back wherever your discomfort lies, and they help give you better posture, which can also lead to less back pain. 

2. Materials 

The two main types of materials that back cushions are made from are memory foam and gel. Memory foam is one of the most popular materials used in things that provide comfort, such as with pillows and mattresses, because of the way it contours to your body. This is especially helpful for back pain, and it can adjust to you no matter what your body type is.

However, there are some drawbacks to memory foam. If it is older, it can begin sagging and stop providing you the support you need for your back. Once that begins there is no way to have it spring back. Memory foam also holds heat, which can be uncomfortable, especially in hotter weather conditions.

Gel cushions are also popular because of all the positives they hold. They are lightweight and durable, easy to clean, and stay cooler than memory foam because they do not hold heat. It also contours to your body similarly to memory foam. 

Gel and memory foam have different textures, so it comes down to which type you prefer. You can also find a back cushion that uses both memory foam and gel, which gives you the best of both worlds and solves all the problems. 

3. Thickness

This may not seem important, but the thickness of your cushion could make all the difference in helping with your back pain. The thickness for back cushions range from categories 1 – 4, and though you may think the thickest cushion will give you the most support, it depends on your particular back and where your pain emanates from. 

Thinner cushions can provide you the right amount of support without pushing on your back too much. However, if you do need the extra thickness, it is best to try it out and see how your back reacts to it. Too much thickness can displace your spine or muscles and cause you extra pain instead of alleviating it. 

4. Durability

If you have back pain, you know that you need something that is going to last no matter how often you need to use it. This is especially true if you plan to use it while you work, as you need something that you can rely on every day. 

Also Read: When you shouldn’t ignore your back pains

A great way to initially discover that it is high quality and long-lasting is by looking at customer reviews. If you use this tool, you must make sure you look at many different reviews and not just a few. It is also best if the product has over a hundred reviews so you know that many different people have tried it, and you can compare what everyone has to say. 

Another great way is to use a trusted manufacturer that has been around for a long time. If you know the manufacturer’s reputation, you can be more sure that what they are providing is made with high quality. Though it may sell well, it does not necessarily mean it is durable, so finding a company you trust and comparing reviews are great ways to make sure what you’re getting will be long-lasting.

5. Price

You do not need to spend all your hard-earned money to get a back cushion that will provide you with the ultimate relief. There are cushions out there that are a hundred dollars, but if you hone in on what you need and what you want, you will be able to find one that’s high quality and a lot less money.

Price is also a great thing to consider when you have a few different options. If you found different cushions that all have great reviews and are made from the materials you’re looking for, maybe try out the cheapest option first. Keep your other options handy in case that particular cushion doesn’t work out, but don’t break the bank just to buy the most expensive one, as it might not be the best one for you.

6. Size 

Size is especially important if you are buying a back cushion specifically for working. However, it’s also important if you plan on using it throughout your day, and even while just relaxing on the couch. Like the thickness, don’t buy the biggest cushion because you think it will provide the most support. You could be left with a huge cushion that gets in the way or doesn’t fit on your chair.

Before choosing what size, you’ll want to measure the areas that you will be using the back cushion on. If it is a work chair, start by measuring the depth and width of the chair. If you’ll be using it to relax, you can do the same thing for your area of a couch or a recliner. If you use a seat cushion along with a back cushion, make sure you take the thickness of that into account while measuring.

If you are using the back cushion for a specific type of chair, like for a dining room, or if you work in a place that uses chairs that are not specifically squares or rectangles, you’ll need to take that into account as well. Measure a square into the chair to see how the cushion would fit, or consider getting a custom made cushion so you know it will fit perfectly.

7. Portability

Unfortunately, back pain does not go away even when you have to travel or have planned vacations. There are a few different options to make sure you have a back cushion that can travel with you no matter where you need to go.

Generally, the lighter the design of the back cushion, the more portable it will be. You can use a lighter cushion wherever you go, whether it’s at work, on a plane, or at home. Many lightweight cushions even come with travel cases to emphasize that you can truly use it anywhere!

This also ties into the size of the cushion. If you do not plan on traveling at all with your cushion and simply need one for work, you can afford to use a heavier model that is also bigger. Some people prefer heavier weighed-down cushions because they do not slide as easily.

However, if you are planning on taking your back cushion on adventures outside of work or home, you’ll want a style that is smaller and lightweight but still provides you with all the support you need to provide your back with relief.

The Best Back Cushion for You

One of the best things you can do when first looking for a back cushion is to think about exactly how you want to use it. If you travel all the time and need it for riding buses and planes, you’ll want a different style than someone who works in an office all the time. 

However, no matter how you’ll use your cushion, these tips can make sure that you find one that is long-lasting, comfortable, full of support, and relieves you from your daily back pain. Take your time searching for one and make sure to consider all of your options so you find the best one for you.

Combine this with other tips for keeping your back pain under control, and you’ll be feeling the relief in no time. Check out more of our articles for the best lifestyle tricks.