How One Mum Fixed Her Back Pain With a Cushion — And What the NHS Says About It
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Back pain is one of the most common causes of disability in the UK. According to the NHS, it affects around 1 in 6 adults and is often linked to poor posture, prolonged sitting, and musculoskeletal strain.
But what if part of the solution lies in something as simple as what you sit on?
“I Thought It Was Just a Bad Chair”
Sarah James, a 38-year-old from Sheffield, began experiencing lower back pain after working remotely during the pandemic. Long days at her kitchen table soon left her stiff, sore, and increasingly frustrated.
“I figured it was just part of working from home,” she said. “But the discomfort started affecting everything — driving, working, even playing with my kids.”
After trying exercises and heat packs with limited success, Sarah began researching ergonomic support and found recommendations for orthopedic seat cushions in online forums.
What NHS Guidance Says
The NHS advises that people with back pain can benefit from improving their posture and using supportive seating: “Make sure your lower back is properly supported whenever you sit down. A correctly adjusted chair will reduce the strain on your back.”
While the NHS does not endorse specific products, it commonly recommends lumbar rolls and cushions in physiotherapy settings, particularly to support the lower spine and reduce pressure during prolonged sitting.
Do Orthopedic Seat Cushions Help?
There’s growing evidence that orthopedic cushions can improve seated comfort. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (source) found that coccyx cushions helped reduce pressure on the lower spine and increased sitting tolerance in people with back pain.
Other studies have shown that strategically designed cushions can help align the pelvis, reduce slouching, and relieve tailbone pressure — especially helpful for people who sit for long periods at a desk or while driving.
Norse Comfort: A Supportive Option
The Norse Comfort Orthopedic Seat Cushion is designed in the UK using high-density memory foam and a pressure-relieving U-shape cut-out. It aims to improve posture and reduce discomfort during prolonged sitting.
Key Features:
- ✅ Memory foam core with coccyx cut-out
- ✅ Promotes better posture and spine alignment
- ✅ Machine-washable, breathable cover
- ✅ Non-slip base for use on any chair
Sarah noticed a significant improvement: “After a few days, I wasn’t shifting around in my seat as much. It made working at the table much more bearable.”
Small Changes, Big Results
While seat cushions aren’t a cure-all, NHS experts agree that proactive ergonomic choices can prevent minor aches from turning into long-term problems.
As noted on the NHS back pain guidance page: “Staying active and making simple lifestyle changes can make a real difference.”
If you work long hours at a desk, in a car, or just want a more comfortable way to sit — investing in a supportive seat cushion may be a smart step for your back health.