Ergonomic Chairs

With the onset of the computer age, more people are spending more time sitting in front of a computer. Using a comfortable and ergonomically correct chair is key in preventing minor back pain (that could eventually lead to more serious problems). Individual needs dictate which chair is right for which person, but here are some things to look for when shopping for a good ergonomic chair.

1. Height – can it raise and lower to suit individual height
2. Seat depth and width – the backs of the thighs need to be fully supported and the hips shouldn’t be squished
3. Backrest – correct and natural curvature of the spine needs to be supported with a high enough back and lumbar support
4. Arm rests – should be adjustable to accommodate the individual
5. Swivel and rollers – chair should easily turn and roll to help reduce the amount of bending, twisting and reaching a person does.

Office supply stores such as Office Depot or Office Max carry lines of ergonomic chairs and many different brands and styles can be purchased online.

Personal Hand-held Massagers

Massage not only feels good but has an actual positive physiological effect. Massage increases circulation to an area which increases blood flow. Increased blood flow helps to circulate oxygen and nutrients and to carry away toxins. What people like about the hand-held massagers is the “any time, anywhere” access to relief and the one-time cost, unlike going to a massage therapist. People also like the way they can massage specific areas, but this also means that whichever hand is holding the massager (and therefore that arm and possibly the shoulder as well) can’t completely relax.

There are many different options when it comes to personal hand-held massagers. Massagers come small, large, battery operated, with cords, etc., so finding something for your individual preference is easily achievable.

Massage Chairs

Massage chairs are effective and helpful since a person can relax fully into the chair. Massage stimulates blood flow which increases oxygen to the area. A full chair can be purchased that has the massage unit built in or an insert can be placed on any upright or reclining chair.

Common options in massage chairs include:

1. Vertical rolling or kneading motion
2. Pulsation
3. Concentration on lower back, upper back or both
4. Heat

Personal hand-held massagers and massage chairs can be found at many different stores including Bed Bath and Beyond, Brookstone and Costco. A good resource online is comfortchannel.com where a full selection of massage therapy products and types are available. Directions should be followed to increase effectiveness and prevent harm.

The idea behind the TENS machine is that pain messages sent to the brain are overridden by the electrical messages of the machine. Just as when you hit your funny bone and immediately reach down to rub the area, the electrical stimulus can help with chronic pain. The machine can be set to several different settings: constant, modulation and burst. The first sends a constant signal that is better for acute pain. The frequency on the modulation mode changes so that the nerve doesn’t adapt. The burst mode is what it sounds, a burst of frequency happens that has proven to be good with people with chronic pain.

Some TENS users find experience immediate relief and some find that they have to wait a few weeks before obtaining effective results. The good news is that, if used properly, there are no adverse side effects, which is not necessarily the case with other treatments. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) has also shown to stimulate the body’s production of endorphins, which has also been proven to relieve pain. They are relatively inexpensive to buy and run.

In order for the machine to be the most effective, and the safest possible, electrodes should never be placed:

• Do not place electrode pads on broken or damaged skin, over the front or side of the neck, on each temple, close to eyes or in the mouth.
• On areas of decreased sensation (numb skin)
• In or near water such as in the bath or shower.

TENS should not be used by people with epilepsy, or people who have an artificial cardiac pacemaker, or with people with certain types of heart disease. TENS should also be used with great caution in pregnant women (affect on the developing fetus are not known). Before using the machine a doctor should be consulted.