Most people, when sitting for a long period, tend to slouch forward. Slouching posture pushes the lower back out causing the natural inward curve to go in the opposite direction - outward toward the chair - straining the structures in the lower back. Muscle strains and pulls are also another common cause of back pain.

Proper seating positioning will help alleviate back discomfort. To achieve proper posture when seated, you should align your ears, shoulders, and pelvis (hips) and support the natural inward curvature of your lower spine. It is important that your back is flush against the lumbar to support the lower back and maintain the natural curvature of your spine.

The Warm/Cool 2-in 1 Therapeutic Lumbar Support Cushion by Contour Products conforms to the natural curves of your back providing support and also provides temperature therapy to your lumbar region.

Temperature therapy is often used as a complement to medicine and self-care. Heat helps soothe stiff joints and relax muscles and cold helps numb sharp pain and reduce inflammation.

A great way to cool a sore or inflamed area of your back is by using an ice gel pack for soothing relief. The cold causes the veins to slim and ultimately flex the muscles which reduces the inflammation causing the pain. Cold packs should be used at least three times a day for 10-15 minutes a time to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Cooling therapy can also be used in conjunction with heat therapy for the best possible relaxation of lower back muscles and joints. Cold packs can help bring relief to lower back pain, swelling, and inflammation from injuries and other conditions such as arthritis.

When heat is applied, it opens up the veins and allows more blood and oxygen to flow through. The wide flow of oxygen helps to soothe the pain. Moist heat provides better muscle penetration and can be more effective than dry heat which draws moisture from the body leaving the skin dehydrated. The typical recommendation for heat therapy is 15 – 20 minutes at a time.

The built-in gel pack sleeve in Contour’s Warm/Cool Therapeutic Lumbar protects your skin from direct contact with your heat therapy. Switching between the two can also help to speed up the healing process. Ice and heat help the injured areas to relax and promote proper blood flow. Both the ice and heat when used together can drastically slim down or even diminish any pain. Most doctors recommend that you begin by using ice to shock the muscles and veins, and then use the heat to soothe them. Remember to always consult a qualified practitioner for medical advice.