Pain is the body’s natural response to signal when there may be potential harm to the body’s tissues, an alert us when something is wrong. It is a complex but extremely fast psychological process, communicated from nerve receptors in the body’s tissues via the central nervous system to the brain.
Pain management can take a variety of approaches, and when it comes to seating there are an array of features and techniques that can alleviate chronic pain.
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Why do we have pain?
In the case of injury or potential harm to the body (e.g. a burn), pain is an extremely quick physiological reaction, alerting the body to withdraw from harm or danger. Treating the injury or burn restores healing to the body, and the pain naturally subsides. This is known as acute pain and is to be distinguished from chronic pain, which we will explore further in this article in the context of pain management.
Is it normal to be in pain every day?
It is not normal to be in constant pain, and you should see a doctor to determine the cause if this is what you are experiencing. Pain that lasts for more than three to six months is known as chronic pain, and may indicate changes or damage to the nervous system, in the case of neuropathic pain.
There are many potential causes of chronic pain. It could also be due to injury or inflammation in the body, such as back pain or arthritis, or even have no traceable cause with conditions like fibromyalgia. This can have a big impact on daily life but can be addressed with the right chair features, as we will cover in this article.
How do you cope with constant pain?
Medication or physical therapy is a first-line intervention to manage ongoing or chronic pain, which should be on the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional.
There are other strategies that can alleviate pain which can be incorporate into your daily routine, such as gentle exercise, relaxation techniques like breathing exercises and meditation, and a balanced diet.
Our choice of seating can have a big impact on pain relief and our levels of comfort on a day-to-day basis.
What happens when your body is in too much pain?
When your body is overwhelmed with pain, it can disrupt the nervous system and lead to conditions like central pain syndrome, where pain signals become difficult to manage. This can cause emotional and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and irritability.
What is pain management?
What are the three types of pain management?
The three different types of pain management techniques are:
- Physical therapies, such as exercise and heat/cold therapy
- Psychological therapies, including relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioural therapy
- Pharmacological treatments, which involve over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and other targeted medicines.
What is considered unmanageable chronic pain?
Chronic pain can start to become unmanageable when it interferes significantly with daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life.
How we can help with pain management?
If you are using unsuitable or uncomfortable seating, this can be a source of pain and discomfort in itself, by causing aches, soreness, pressure on areas of the body, and exacerbating any underlying physical symptoms that we may be trying to manage.
Our mission as a business is to bring unparalleled levels of comfort to all our clients, and every chair is designed with this goal in mind.
The Best Seating Features for Pain Management
Ergonomic features built into care seating can make all the difference in reducing pain and discomfort. These are some of the most effective measures in seating when it comes to pain management.
Backrest and lumbar support
Supportive backrests like the waterfall back can be shaped to suit each person, accommodating any spinal deformities they may have. This allows the backrest to conform to the shape of their back, stopping pressure on any bony protrusions.
Waterfall lateral backrest – Lento Care Chair
Support in the lumbar region is also important, and is a feature we have built into our HiBack Bedside Chair. The lumbar region of the spine takes most of the loading in the spine so needs the appropriate support to stop back pain developing. Our other chairs include waterfall backrest cushions, which have a separate lumbar section that can be repositioned to provide the best lumbar support for each user.
Posture and positioning
Correct posture and positioning in the chair is important to relief nerve pain like sciatica, and prevent any deformities from developing like kyphosis (forward lean) and scoliosis (sideways lean).
Firstly, it’s paramount to get the correct seat size, which can be done easily with the toolless adjustment in the Lento range. This helps stabilise the posture in the chair and balance the body’s systems.
Tilt-in-space is a useful function for those with who have a forward kyphotic lean, as it moves their weight back in the chair and straightens their spine to stop a hunched posture from developing. It can also benefit those with MS who may suffer from muscle spasms and cramps, helping their muscles to relax and release tension.
Soft fabrics
Soft, breathable fabrics are essential for those who struggle to move independently or regulate their body temperature.
The vapour-permeable nature of the Dartex fabric we use absorbs moisture away from the surface of the skin, keep the skin cool and hydrated.
Dartex Material
Types of Seating and How They Help With Pain Management
These are some of the most popular chairs in our range, which it comes to restoring comfort to individuals who have experienced ongoing and debilitating chronic pain.
Lento Neuro
We created this chair specifically for people with neurological disorders like Huntington’s and Parkinson’s, who may experience neuropathic pain as part of their condition.
The cocooned shape of the backrest was deliberately designed this way to reduce involuntary movements, as scientific studies have shown that patients who feel more stable and supported have less involuntary movement.
The tilt-in-space pivots from the front of the chair, enabling zero gravity positioning for the best levels of pressure relief, and even allowing the patient to sleep in the chair!
The PU wicking fabric on the interior of the Lento Neuro provides ultimate comfort, keeping the body cool and hydrated.
Lento Mobile/Care Chair
The Lento Mobile and Lento Care Chair both stand out in our range by providing head-to-toe postural support and pressure relief. This is done by providing seamless pressure care on contact surfaces right from the head support though the backrest, seat and legrest to the footrest, with soft dartex and thick padding on the armrests.
Zero-gravity positioning can also be achieved for maximum pressure relief, with electric or manual tilt-in-space, and the pressure spec can be upgraded to a high risk gel or alternating air for higher-need patients.
Zero gravity positioning
VELA Activity Chair
The VELA Activity chair helps patients mobilise around the home or office with smooth rolling castors and a central brake. With the fluctuating nature of chronic pain, this chair compensates when flare-ups occur and drain your energy, with its smooth electric height adjustment preventing any unpleasant jolts. It is easy for the user to ‘walk around’ with its large wheels and central brake lever, requiring minimum effort to operate, and has a supportive lumbar backrest. It’s great for mobilising around the kitchen and accessing different heights like cupboards or dishwashers.
VELA Activity chair
Pain management FAQs
What are the three types of pain management?
The three main approaches to pain management are physical therapies (e.g., exercise, heat/cold therapy), psychological therapies (such as relaxation techniques or cognitive behavioural therapy), and pharmacological treatments (over-the-counter or prescription medications).
What is the first line drug for pain?
For most mild to moderate pain, doctors often recommend paracetamol (acetaminophen) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen as a first-line option. The choice depends on the type of pain and any underlying medical conditions, so always follow professional medical advice.
What is the most common method of pain control?
The most common method is a multimodal approach that combines medication with lifestyle strategies like gentle exercise, physical therapy, and stress-reduction techniques to address both the physical and emotional aspects of pain.
What are the basic principles of pain management?
The key principles of pain management include:
Assessment – identifying the source, type, and intensity of pain.
Individualisation – tailoring treatments to the person’s specific needs.
Regular review – monitoring effectiveness and side effects.
Multidisciplinary care – combining medical, physical, and psychological support.
What is an IV for pain management?
An intravenous (IV) pain management approach delivers pain-relief medication directly into the bloodstream for rapid effect. It is typically used in hospital settings for severe acute pain, post-surgical recovery, or when oral medication is not effective or possible.
Ralph has many years' experience in the healthcare sector. In a previous life he worked in finance, and his spreadsheet skills come in handy for all the analysis and research he does as he investigates topics and solutions for some of the world's most complex healthcare conditions and challenges. Aside from writing in-depth articles and organising webinars and interviews with top healthcare professionals, Ralph also administrates Vivid's "Healthcare Pioneers Board", a large group of healthcare specialists with multiple disciplines, who are working together to improve care for years to come.
