For years, since I began private practice, patients have always asked me about back supports. Obus Forme, Therapeutica, home-made devices, etc. In search of being able to answer my patients properly, I have tried them all without much success. Each device has its pluses and miinuses. Despite being a significant player in the physical support industry, I have always found the Obus Forme back rest a bit cumbersome and restrictive of arm movements. Instead, I enjoyed the sleek Therapeutica back rests that provided minimal lumbar support but provided tactile presence for the entire spine to keep it aligned while sitting. But, it still wasn't providing the total package that sitters and back pain sufferers seeked.
Enter the Back Vitalizer! If you're a patient of mine, and have read my emails, you know that I recently purchased a new product - the Back Vitalizer (BV). The BV is touted as a multifunctional neuromuscular and biomechanical sitting device. The BV is both a lumbar support and a postural trainer. One puff of air into the BV turns it into a slim device that mimics sitting on an exercise ball. Sit with erect, spine-neutral posture on the BV and start exercising your core muscles. Then, slip it behind your back as a lumbar support.
Patients and clinicians seem to love this product. So far so good for me. It seems to do what it claims - promoting better sitting posture and providing needed lumbar support. Stay tuned for an update. For now, I recommend the Back Vitalizer if you're seeking an alternative to your current sitting support.
To be continued ...
