Support Where you Need it Most: the Benefits of Backrests

Poor posture: the risks

Poor posture when sitting, whether for work, at home or in the car, can lead to hip, back and neck pain, joint stiffness, chronic fatigue, headaches, sleeping difficulties and weakened muscles. Your spine and the discs in your back may also become dis-aligned, which can cause permanent damage and the need for long-term physiotherapy.

A number of factors can contribute to poor posture without us even knowing it, such as sitting on chairs with no lower back support, perching on stools, slouching on sofas that are too soft to support us or positioning a driving seat too far from the wheel. But because we are less physically active today than we were 50 years ago, and much of our time at work is spent behind a desk, comfortable and supportive seating is crucial.

Achieving good posture

Needless to say there are numerous benefits to maintaining good posture when sitting. Movement becomes easier because your spine and joints are properly aligned, bones are protected against weakness and gradual deformity, your shape will improve and your muscles become less tense because they won’t need to work as hard to compensate for poor bone position.

Regular exercise is certainly helpful, as it strengthens your bones and helps to significantly minimise the risk of painful musculoskeletal problems, but when you’re sitting for long periods of time it’s vital that your back is supported correctly. An orthopaedic chair is a sound investment, and one that will be of enormous benefit to both your health and quality of life for years to come.

Proper support

The Posture Safe Backrestis ideal for this , as it provides constant support to the back, shoulders and upper arms, while carefully supporting your head at the same time. Its robust inner structure and flexible foam padding moulds itself to your body and readjusts every time you move, ensuring an end to poor posture and strain. The Backrest also features a headrest, a pliable foam lumbar cushion that moves up and down to provide support exactly where you need it, and armrests that cushion your arms from shoulder to wrist.

But it isn’t just when standing or sitting that we need to be aware of posture. Poor posture lying down can have a huge impact on sleep, too. Just as with sitting, incorrect posture can constrict your internal organs, and lead to conditions such as sleep apnoea, where an obstruction is caused to the upper airways during sleep. Tell-tale symptoms include heavy snoring and waking in the night, which in turn leads sufferers to feel drowsy and exhausted during the day.

Sound nights’ sleep

Therefore, it’s equally important to support your body while sleeping. Physiotherapists recommend sleeping on your side or back and using a feather-stuffed pillow that won’t sag, but for many of us, the necessity to rest sitting up (due to factors such as illness, fragility or pregnancy) means we need extra support. Posture Safe also offer a Legrest, which works with the Backrest, similar to an adjustable bed, to raise and support the legs and hips to the height you require, ideal for relieving conditions such as varicose veins and swollen ankles, and ensuring total body support.For more information see www.posturesafe.co.uk