The trouble with back injuries is that they never seem to go away entirely. Whether an old injury acts up every time the weather changes, or you’re experiencing discomfort in your day-to-day life whenever you move a certain way, sit for a long period of time, or simply bend over, it’s always a nuisance. Back pain can sideline even the most active person, which is why it’s important to do everything you can to make your home as comfortable as possible for when those flare-ups inevitably happen, and there are a few useful home additions that can help you do just that.
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1. Comfortable Furniture
If you suffer from back pain, chances are you’ve had to adjust the way you sit in order to find a position that doesn’t aggravate your symptoms. This can be difficult to do on furniture that wasn’t designed with comfort in mind, but there are plenty of companies out there that make furniture specifically for people with back pain. Look for a desk chair for scoliosis that you can put in your home office, a bed with a memory foam mattress topper to help you sleep through the night, and sofas and chairs with lumbar support that will let you relax without putting too much strain on your back.
Practically any piece of furniture you use to sit or lie on should be comfortable enough that you don’t have to worry about your back pain getting worse, and the best way to ensure that is to find ones designed specifically with lumbar support or a specific condition in mind.
2. A Hot Tub
One of the best things you can do for your back is to soak it in warm water, and there’s no better way to do that than with your own personal hot tub. Not only will the heat help to relax your muscles and ease pain, but the buoyancy of the water will take some of the strain off of your back and allow you to move without pain. There are even some hot tubs on the market that come with features like jetted massage and built-in heaters, so you can really customize your experience and get the most relief possible.
If you’re looking for a long-term solution for your back pain, a hot tub is a great investment. Of course, if you’re currently on pain meds, you need to be careful around a hot tub – you don’t want to risk falling asleep in it. However, as long as you use it safely, a hot tub can be a great way to ease back pain.
3. A Home Gym
Even if working out isn’t at the top of your list of the most fun activities you can do, staying active is important for people with back pain. If you’re not used to working out, starting slow is key – you don’t want to put too much strain on your back and end up in more pain than when you started. There are plenty of gentle exercises you can do at home that will help to strengthen your back and improve your range of motion without putting too much strain on your body.
A home gym is a great way to get started because it gives you all the equipment you need in one place so you don’t have to go out and buy a bunch of different things. Look for devices that are low-impact and cardio-focused – machines like an elliptical or a recumbent bike, as well as some basic strength-training equipment. That way, you can tailor your workout to what your body needs and not risk further injuring yourself.
4. Customized Storage Spaces
As already mentioned, bending down to pick something up isn’t as easy to do when you have a back injury. Similarly, having to strain to reach something too high up on a shelf can also aggravate your symptoms – especially if that thing is heavy. That’s why it’s important to have storage spaces that are designed with your specific needs in mind. If you can’t reach the top shelves, put them lower down or get some step stools to make things easier.
For things you need to bend down to get, look for storage options that allow you to access them without having to bend all the way down. That could mean getting a storage bench with compartments underneath or investing in some rolling shelves that you can pull out when you need something. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s comfortable and easy for you to use so you don’t have to strain your back any more than necessary.
There are many useful home additions that can help people with back injuries to manage their pain and live more comfortably. From furniture with built-in lumbar support to hot tubs and home gyms, there are plenty of options available to suit different needs and preferences. The most important thing is to find what works for you and to use it in a way that doesn’t further injure your back. With a little bit of trial and error, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect solution for your pain.
