Dr. Lythgo’s conclusions were
I conducted Biomechanics consultancy work for Spinal Bed Support Systems Pty Ltd. This work
investigated the alignment of the body on 15 bed types that are commercially available.
Information about the position of the back (vertebral column), shoulders and pelvis in 3-
dimensional space was recorded buy a VICON motion analysis system. The results show the
variable support system to align the body in a position similar to that achieved when standing
(neutral position).
The mean difference, for example, in the line of the back from lumbar vertebrae 5 to cervical
vertebrae 7 was 1.5°, whereas it was 7.2° for the other beds.
This demonstrates that the variable bed support system places the back in a position similar to
standing whereas the other beds place the back in greater lateral flexion.
Many of our customers come to us because of back problems that have occurred through
workplace injuries, sporting injuries
or a variety of other causes of back problems.
We have an interesting discussion with all of them after which they leave with a
more detailed knowledge of how the right bed can help existing back conditions and
prevent back problems occurring.
If you currently suffer from back problems, the right bed can assist by providing
the right support your back needs. If you don’t have back problems it is also important
to have the right bed to assist in
preventing against back problems occurring.
Our spine is made so that in the upright position it works quite well, but when
we lie down the individual components of our spine are subjected to stress and tension,
just like a bridge?
If your back is not correctly supported, over time there is a weakening of the components
between the disks as shown below:
Many times people “have felt their back give” when lifting relatively light objects.
They blame the lifting. But the problem actually started due to a progressive weakening
of the spine structure over a period of time…often caused by sleeping on the incorrect
bed. This is a very good reason to make sure you select the right bed and look after
your back for today and the future.
The significant requirement in this instance is to improve posture so the muscular/skeletal
structure of the human form is as close to the “zero stress” position as practical.
When the human form is standing upright, the spine is straight in the vertical plane
with the shoulders and hips square in the horizontal plane, i.e. “zero stress” on
the spine and muscles.
Improved posture has been strongly advocated by
health professionals for many years
as a direct contributor for better health, when working in an office chair, sitting
in a car seat, etc. for prolonged periods. Then why not consider improved posture
while resting or sleeping on a bed for 8 hours each night.
Many bed manufacturers claim their bed will give you a straight profile but are
these just "marketing claims" or are they able to “prove” this can be achieved?
Beds for Backs can! (SEE
SLEEP RESEARCH )
The solution is to, not only select a bed that has your preferred comfort level,
but one that you can adjust to suit your individual body weight and shape.
