August 21, 2015 | 5:00 am | By Pants Up Easy
Spending the majority of your day sitting in the same chair, in the same position, can certainly lead to some pain and discomfort. If you are a wheelchair user, you may be desperate to find a way to alleviate your pain. Luckily, there are several wheelchair accessories that can be used to help do just that.
The first area that may be causing you some concern is your lower spine and buttocks. Sitting for hours at a time can undoubtedly put some pressure on these areas, so finding an accessory that can help take away some of that pressure is essential. A specialized wheelchair cushion can do the trick, and there are many different types of cushions available, based on your needs. Cushions come in different shapes and sizes, and are made out of a variety of materials. In addition to using a specialized cushion, you should also make sure to change positions frequently in order to relieve pressure and prevent sores from developing.
Another area that often can become quite painful is your back. If your back, head, and neck aren’t properly positioned while in your wheelchair you could be faced with anything from slight discomfort or pain to an actual injury. The backrest on your wheelchair may not provide sufficient support for many wheelchair users, especially those with spinal issues. Just as there are with seat cushions, there are a large variety of back cushions available to suite your needs.
While some wheelchair users aren’t a fan of padded wheelchair armrests, they can offer some pain relief if you lean on your armrests frequently. Although they may be a bit cumbersome or feel as if they are in the way, if you are having pain from leaning on your armrests throughout the day, purchasing padded armrests may be worth it. There are many different types of armrests out there, including some that can be removed when not needed.
If you do not have an electric wheelchair and roll your chair from place to place, that repetitive motion may put quite a bit of pressure on your hands and joints. A wheelchair handrim that has been designed to reduce pain is a worthy investment if you’ve been experiencing some discomfort. A high quality wheelchair handrim will not only alleviate your pain, but will also reduce the risk of carpal tunnel or arthritis that can be caused by wheelchair use.
As you can see, there are many accessories available to aid in whatever issues you may have. If you are suffering from pain caused by your wheelchair use, consider investing in a few of these products. If your pain is severe, speak with your doctor about additional things that can be done to relieve your discomfort.
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