If you suffer from a bad back, you'll know how disruptive and deliberating it can be. The pain can be enough to stop you from taking part in everyday activities and as well be sore on your posture. It can disturb your daily routine, as well as your sleep. Even sitting can feel like a laborious task. If this sounds all too familiar, a back support cushion, also known as a lumbar support cushion, may help. While it won't completely remove the pain, a back support cushion will bring you some comfort, meaning you can carry on with day-to-day life.
As well as alleviating some of the pain, using a back support cushion helps to realign your spine and aids with maintaining a proper posture. You may find that you experience back pain less often because of this.
Whether you're driving in your car, working away from an office chair or relaxing on your sofa, you can use back support cushions on various chairs.
The best back support cushions
If you feel like you would benefit from using a lumbar support cushion, we've hand-picked some of the best ones available right now. By using one of the below pillows, you should experience relief from your back aches and pains in no time at all.
Highly rated back support cushion
With an ergonomic, contoured design, this lumbar support pillow mimics the natural curve of your back for better support. With over 33,000 reviews, it's a super popular choice with Amazon customers.
Pros: Made with pure memory foam
Cons: If you want to strap it in place, the strap extensions won't fit on chairs with a back width over 81cm
Review: "A quality back support cushion which was just what I wanted. Currently being used on my sofa to watch TV but would also be great on an office chair or dining room chair. Soft but firm it hugs the lower back perfectly and has improved my back pain greatly."
Best all over back support
Relieve pressure in your upper, middle and lower back with this cushion from Supportiback. The breathable cover allows air to flow freely and it has a moisture-wicking coating to keep you feeling fresh and free from back sweat.
Pros: Can be used both at home and in the car
Cons: Some reviewers thought the cushion was too thick for their needs
Review: "I got this back support because I started a new job in an office and I knew after a while my back will start to suffer from sitting down all day. When I’m sat with the support I know that my back is in a better position and so when I get up after a long shift, my back doesn’t feel stiff or in pain. I recommend!"
Best back support cushion for working from home
Adjustable double straps ensure this backrest stays in place and stops it from sliding down. The size makes it perfect for use in most office chairs, armchairs, recliners and cars.
Pros: Ideal if you spend most of your day sitting
Cons: Takes up more space compared to other cushions
Review: "Bought this to support my back at work. Extremely comfortable and excellent quality. Would recommend to anyone with lumbar pain and posture issues."
Best small back support pillow
Do you have a particular area of your back that needs support? The smaller size of this cushion means that your problem area can be targeted and provided with much-need comfort. It has a zip at the bottom so you can remove the outer cover to wash it.
Pros: Has three different fixing attachments to fit a variety of chairs
Cons: Not ideal for those who have pain in all areas of their back
Review: "As I'm working from home a lot I noticed that my chair was not fit for purpose and I was experiencing back pain. After a lot of searching on Amazon, I found this beauty. Extremely comfortable and also supportive I've found my posture has improved since I started using it. I can highly recommend."
Best back support cushion for sofas and beds
www.johnlewis.com
Keep those aches and pains at bay with this John Lewis support pillow. With armrests and a neck pillow included as part of the design, it won't be just your back that's kept comfortable when you use it.
Pros: Has a breathable, cotton cover that can be removed for washing
Cons: Designed to be used in bed more than chairs
Review: "Great for long reading/gaming sessions. I use this to sit up in bed as my neck/back were suffering from my bad posture. Really comfy, good price for how big it is and even my cats use it when they want somewhere comfy to sleep. Love it!"
Best heated back support cushion for the car
www.argos.co.uk
Are you someone who suffers more from back pain after they've spent a long time in the car? You need this support cushion. It uses pulsating heat therapy to provide comfort, speed up blood circulation, accelerate the body's metabolism and warm the body during cold months. Just use the remote control to adjust the heat and massage functions to your desired comfort level.
Pros: Plugs into your car's 12V socket
Cons: The remote will be difficult to control while you're driving so you will need to pull over to adjust
Review: "I have a bad back and this has been a godsend in the car. Love the massage feature. Gets really warm which is what’s needed. Recommend"
Best back and seat cushion combo
Both a back and seat cushion are included in this set to provide targeted, dual relief. The thick cushion is soft and padded while keeping its shape to support your tailbone, lower back, spine and hips from those severe pressure points. It's also gel infused and ventilated to keep you cool during warmer months of the year.
Pros: Two cushions to target different areas of pain
Cons: Some reviews mention they had issues with the back support sliding up/down their chair
Review: "I pulled my lower back about a month ago and it took a week to get back to normal movement. I found walking and laying down the most comfortable positions, sitting was always very painful. However, I must have overdone my activities as the pain came back again, so I purchased the seat and back cushion to help my recovery and make things a bit easier. It allowed me to spend more time in comfort whilst seated, although during recovery I found it best to keep moving regularly. As days have gone by, and my mobility has improved, I'm now using it for driving also, and it's so comfortable I think I'll keep it in the car permanently, just adjust the seat height and position. I have regular long journeys as my family live a distance away and it's really helped with my comfort, so stiff backs!"
Back support cushion FAQs
Where should back support cushions be placed?
To make sure your cushion offers the maximum support possible while you're sitting, you need to make sure you've got it in the correct place. When seated in a chair, your cushion should be placed vertically across the back of the chair so that it is flush against the lower part of the back. It should keep your ears, shoulders and hips in alignment so that the natural curvature of your spine is maintained.
You may be tempted to place your cushion in the exact spot you're experiencing pain. However, the best placement is below the curve of your back so that it supports your spine and keeps your posture straight.
Do cushions help with back pain?
Cushions that are specifically made for helping your alignment and supporting your posture will help ease the pain. However, if you have ongoing issues with back pain, it may be better to search for a long-term solution.
How can you treat back pain?
The NHS has advice on things you can do to ease the pain.
Stay active and try to continue with your daily activities.
Take anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen.
Use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling.
Use a heat pack (or hot water bottle) wrapped in a tea towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms.
Try doing some exercises and stretches for back pain.
They advise activities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may help too.
If the pain in your back hasn't eased after treating it at home yourself, you should arrange a GP appointment.