According to the National Institutes of Health, eight out of ten people suffer from back pain at some time in their lives. It's also the leading cause of disability for people under the age of 45. It may be caused by a wide variety of issues ranging from acute ones like sprains or strains or chronic ones such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease. Other causes include pregnancy and poor posture.

Maintaining proper positioning plays a key role in alleviating back pain. The Backmax Positioning Wedge and the Backmax Plus Positioning Wedge are three-piece foam wedge systems that provide support and optimal positioning for the back, legs, and head to prevent or provide relief from back pain. Their design was based on the spine's natural curve. When the three wedges are used together, they provide a place to recline with the body at the 120 degree angle, the least stressful for the nervous system, heart, and body. The design is similar to the seats used by the astronauts in NASA spacecraft during takeoffs. The wedge behind the back provides ergonomic support to the shoulders, neck, and head as well as the upper and middle back. Beneath the lower back is a supportive contour which allows the user's lumbar region to relax. The wedge supporting the knees allows the lower back to relax more, and raises the legs to the level of the heart to facilitate circulation. A third wedge supports the feet and lower legs, facilitating relaxation even further.

People living with back pain aren't the only ones who benefit from Backmax or Backmax Plus. Keeping one's head raised helps with conditions such as gastric reflux, hiatal hernia, or sinus conditions while elevating the feet and legs helps to decrease swelling of the feet and ankles, a boon to people with circulatory problems or for expectant mothers.

  
The three wedges attach to one another with zippers to provide stability when used together such as when a user needs to be in the zero gravity position. They may be used separately for specific concerns as well. For example, if someone needs to raise his or her feet to prevent them from swelling, but is otherwise comfortable lying in bed, he or she may simply detach the foot wedge and sleep with it elevating his or her feet throughout the night.   

While it provides relief from discomfort from a variety of health concerns, the Backmax isn't just for medical use. The back wedge may also be used to support someone lying on their stomach while reading or sunbathing. It may also be used for some forms of exercise when someone needs some extra support. Backmax may be placed in a bed or on a floor at home, and provides full body support for recreational activities such as traveling, concerts, and picnics as well.

Its three medical-grade foam wedges are covered in a machine washable neutral fabric, making it suitable for any decor. In addition, the Backmax Plus has a neck roll and is eight inches wider to accommodate larger users, and comes with a case for storage or travel.

Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO