When people have problems with their backs, it can be very devastating. Besides the obvious suffering that people endure, it can also impact their livelihoods as well. Coping with both back pain and the financial impacts of not being able to perform ones job duties is a double whammy that most people simply are not prepared for. Fortunately, there are some medical devices, such as balance ball chairs, which can help people live more productive and pain-free lives.
Most physicians are quick to point out that the key to managing chronic back pain is to stay active. Stretching, is often an excellent way to start the day and prepares the back muscles to be used. When combined with light exercises, a very quick but effective daily routine may be effective at reducing pain and preventing injuries.
Individuals that work in an office often complain of back pain. This type of pain can be grueling and is often the result of sitting for many hours each and every day. Besides frequent breaks, which allow people the opportunity to walk and stretch, there are few options for these people to reduce their back pain outside of medication. Still, prescribed medications only offer temporary relief from an environmental problem. Thankfully, a balance ball chair can help these people reduce their lower back and leg pain.
If you have never heard of a balance ball chair before, do not worry. These chairs basically look like an ordinary office chair with the exception that they have a fitness ball for the seat. While some may think that sitting on a ball sounds uncomfortable, it really is not that bad. Obviously, it will take some time to get accustomed to sitting on a balance ball chair, but they really do help alleviate back pain.
Sitting in an ordinary office chair places most of the strain on our back muscles. When using a balance ball chair, the simple act of sitting encourages stability and when the body attempts to stabilize itself on a ball, more muscle groups are required to remain seated. Besides toning mid-section muscles, sitting on a balance ball chair also promotes good posture. Combining good posture and added mid-section strength ultimately leads to less pain and discomfort for those that use balance ball chairs.
Believe it or not, many chiropractors and physicians recommend that their patients use a balance ball chair to alleviate back pain. These medical professionals realize that the best way to treat pain is to reduce or eliminate the cause of it. Especially in sedentary jobs, such employees are more likely to suffer from seated pain. The balance ball chair can truly help such people be more productive and pain-free while working.
Unlike most medical equipment, balance ball chairs are actually quite inexpensive. The best chairs, which are made by Gaiam and Isokinetics, generally cost less than £40 (about $70). Considering what an ordinary office chair runs, the pricing is quite reasonable. However, deluxe balance ball chairs are available as well and do cost slightly more. A deluxe balance ball chair normally is adjustable, includes armrests and other features.
If back pain is something that you are living with on a daily basis, a balance ball chair can certainly help to alleviate the pain if you do a lot of sitting. Using a chair that encourages good posture, and exercising regularly, are often all that it is needed to deal with most back pain. However, it is important that you first consult your physician to determine what he or she believes is best for your health. In most cases, health care professionals do recommend lifestyle changes that encourage better posture and improved core muscle strength.
