Should I Use a Cane for Back Pain? Read The Benefits!
Anyone with lower back pain should consider buying a walking cane. Walking with a bad back without a cane can worsen your back pain.
So how does a cane help with back pain? Let’s find out.
If you feel that you can walk better with a walking cane, there is zero harm in using it. You do not have to visit a doctor for approval on whether you should use it or not.
One of the most significant advantages you will receive with a cane is that it will allow you to move around more freely without placing excess weight or pressure on your lower back.
If you have back pain, you will receive the following benefits from using the cane:
1. Regular Walking With a Cane Can Reduce Back Pain
What if you have back pain and are unable to walk properly? Walking, however, is a way to ease back pain.
Regularly walking with an assistive device can help relieve lower back pain. You should walk every day to reap the most benefits.
Apart from using a device to walk, you can also buy a back brace, ideal for people with chronic back pain, and shoe inserts.
2. Standing With a Cane Improves Your Posture and Prevents Back Pain
Pain can cause you to sit in one place for a long time, and you want to avoid that. With a walking device in hand, you can stand up more.
Standing up more often ensures your skin and muscles stay firm. Sitting down for long durations reduces blood flow, resulting in increased muscle and joint stiffness.
Even if you cannot walk long distances, use your stick to stand up more.
3. Cane Increases Your Mobility and Speeds Up Healing After Operation
If you have undergone surgery or pulled a back muscle, use a cane to increase your mobility and speed up healing.
Another reason to use a cane is if you are overweight or obese, as it can result in pain due to the extra weight adding pressure on the joints and spines.
A hidden benefit of a mobility device is that it increases your metabolism by helping you walk more.
It is irrelevant how old you are. You can use an assistive device at any age. It is outdated and untrue to believe that using a device makes you old.
The Bottom Line
If you are ready to use a mobility device to walk because you have backache, you need to learn how to use it safely.
You should use the cane on your stronger side to get the most support. Using it on your stronger side makes it easier to walk naturally on your weaker side.
Working on your posture and how you use a rod to walk up and down the stairs would also help.
Using a cane for back pain will help you out in the long run. Depending on the severity of your situation, you may need it either temporarily or permanently.
Note that buying a cane doesn’t require a prescription. You should, however, consult a doctor if you experience back pain to determine the best course of action.
You can learn more about mobility devices here at Senior Supported.
