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What Is Lumbar Support and Why Do I Need It?

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Woman in white sleepwear wakes up from a rough night of sleep with lumbar discomfort in bed with white linens and pillows

Does your back hurt on any given day? If you said yes, you’re not alone. In fact, the American Chiropractic Association says that 31 million Americans are having back problems at any given time. Low back pain in particular is incredibly common and even considered to be the leading cause of disability worldwide. For a long-term or more serious case, you might need extra-targeted support for your lower back. That’s why we want to discuss lumbar support with you.

What is Lumbar Support?

Your lumbar region is the medical term for your lower back. The lumbar region is generally the five vertebrae in the lower spine. “Lumbar support” can refer to anything that provides extra support to this lumbar region. You can get a lumbar support pillow that is great for the couch, car, work chair, and even bed! 

Sitting for long periods without lumbar support may cause the muscles to tense and cramp. The shape of the lumbar support pillow rests along the inner curve of the spine to offer constant support, while cradling the lower back. The best lumbar support pillows provide additional padding where the lower back will rest, allowing the spine to remain in a natural position.  

How to Get the Right Lumbar Back Support 

Find the Best Lumbar Support Pillow

The lower back is already prone to injury because we use it so much, but our poor posture can make the chances of pain and strain even greater. That’s why if you’re suffering from lower back pain, you’ll want to find the right lumbar support pillow to help ease your aches. We recommend the Soft-Tex Conforming Memory Foam Lumbar Support Pillow. If you’re looking for a great lumbar support pillow for the couch, car, work chair, or anywhere else, this is it! It features a gel-infused memory foam construction to minimize pain with adaptive comfort. Therapeutic and convenient, this lower back memory foam pillow provides targeted relief and multi-use positioning no matter where you bring it. An elastic strap at the backside of the lumbar pillow allows for secure attachment to a chair, so it’s in the perfect position all the time.

Consider an Adjustable Bed

Lumbar support for sleeping is incredibly important, just as much as lumbar support when you’re working or driving. We also recommend you look into an adjustable bed base to ease lower back pain. Strain and unnecessary pressure on the lower back should always be avoided, and raising your upper torso, legs, or both can help you do this. Elevating the knees will help to reduce the pressure on the lower spine. This can be helpful in reducing lower back pain by shifting much of your weight off the back. Especially if you’re sleeping on a high-quality mattress, you’ll feel comfort and support without any of the painful pressure points!

Train Yourself to Sleep in a Healthy Position

Sleeping position matters when it comes to lumbar support and lower back pain. Sleeping on your stomach often causes or exacerbates lower back pain. Experts tell us to lie on our back when sleeping, as this is what is best for lumbar support. If you’re having a hard time sleeping on your back, try placing a few pillows under your knees. This will keep you from rolling over and will help to reduce the pressure on your lower spine.

Especially for people suffering with lower back pain, sleeping on a slight incline with extra support under the knees can help to take the pressure off the spine, making it easier to sleep and wake up without aches. For you, this may mean purchasing a lumbar support pillow. It may also mean an adjustable bed base or additional, firm pillows to be placed under your knees. There are many options, so be sure to find the one that works best for you and your spinal alignment!