Just like sitting in a regular chair for a long period of time, sitting on a wheelchair can get users to develop back pain and long-term physical problems as well. Our bodies are not designed to be in a seated position for long periods of time; because of this we tend to develop physical issues depending on how bad our daily seating habits may be.
One of the worst things that can happen is when a user develops scoliosis from being in a seated position for prolonged periods of time. The only safeguard against scoliosis is to periodically get up from your chair (with or without assistance) and to stretch out your legs to allow proper blood circulation.
One of the easiest things you can do is to cross your legs once in a while. This will help ease the pressure you are putting on your back whenever you are seated.
There is another method of back relief that is referred to as “the rack” move. This requires assistance from another individual. While you are laying down, have a caregiver or friend grab your both of your ankles while positioned at the bottom of your body. They will need to pull away from your body in order to stretch out your back. This is a known yoga technique that allows instant back relief without the need for any therapy or equipment.
While being seated in a wheelchair you want to make sure you have enough lumbar support to allow your back to feel comfortable while seated for a while. Around the middle of your back where there is a curve, you will want to install a lumbar support device or at the very least, roll up a towel and wedge it in there to prevent severe back pain from developing.
Sometimes back pain can develop as a result of leaning one way when seated. This means that you tend to lean left or right of your chair, which creates extra pressure on your back. It is important to get lateral side supports if you are suffering from this problem. If you have little or no control of your torso, then a device such as a lateral support system will go a long way towards preventing long-term injury.
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