Rollators for Spinal Conditions: A UK Buyer's Guide
According to the NHS, 11% of the world's general population suffers from Spinal Stenosis. That amounts to approximately 600 million people worldwide.
Unfortunately, it is far from the only spinal condition that people endure, with degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, and spondylolisthesis also common causes of back pain in older patients. In fact, the World Health Organisation claims that 619 million people experienced lower back pain in 2020, a figure which is expected to rise to 843 million cases by the year 2050. While prevalence does increase with age, spinal conditions and back pain can be experienced at any age, and the majority of people will suffer from it at least once in their lifetime.
That is exactly why companies such as Assist Mobility provide state-of-the-art rollators in order to free those suffering with spinal conditions from physical and mental pain. Let's take a look at exactly how a rollator can transform your daily life.
What Are The Most Common Spinal Conditions?
While back pain is the most common shared symptom experienced by patients, there are a wide range of different spinal conditions people suffer from.
Spinal Stenosis: This is the narrowing of spaces within your spine, which puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. This pressure leads to pain, not only in the back itself, but also in the legs, neck, and arms. It most commonly comes from the wear-and-tear associated with old age.
Degenerative Disc Disease: DDD is the normal wear on your spinal discs, which happens naturally over time. This wear leads to a loss of water in the discs, causing them to weaken, flatten, and even crack. While some people do not experience any symptoms, it can lead to back and neck pain.
Spondylosis: Much like Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylosis comes from natural wear and tear in the spine. As the spinal joints and discs wear down, it can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canals and bone spur formation. Again, this is extremely common and can be asymptomatic, but some patients experience neck and back pain/stiffness.
Spondylolisthesis: When one spinal vertebra slips forward or backwards over the vertebra below it, it can lead to nerve issues, pain, and instability. Sufferers of Spondylolisthesis often suffer from back pain that gets worse from physical activity, as well as numbness, tight hamstrings, and tingling in the legs. While it often comes from natural wear and tear in old age, it can also be caused by fractures, injuries, or birth defects.
Lower Back Pain: General lower back pain can be caused by a multitude of problems, including muscle strains, disc issues, arthritis, or osteoporosis. It can be acute or chronic, and very often impacts the way a person moves and engages in physical activity.
How Do Spinal Injuries Impact Walking?
How much spinal injuries affect a person's ability to walk depends on the condition and severity, but pain always has an impact of some kind. For example, Spinal Stenosis can cause leg pain, back pain, cramping, numbness, and instability, all of which impact a person's ability to walk even short distances. Symptoms are often eased when the patient leans forward or sits, which is why regular breaks are important. The nerve compression associated with Degenerative Disc Disease also often leads to back pain, stiffness, imbalance, and radiating leg pain. This makes mobility aids like a rollator essential for support during all journeys, no matter how brief the walk may be. The degenerative nature of Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis can also impact mobility via pain, weakness, and imbalance in the back and legs.
How Do Spinal Conditions Impact Daily Independence?
Being unable to walk short or long distances can have a severe impact on your daily independence. Whether it's something as small as popping to the shops for a pint of milk, or something as significant as a hiking holiday, it can be difficult to accept that your body is unable to shoulder the burden it once could. Many sufferers of spinal conditions not only struggle with the physical implications of their injuries, but also the mental challenges that come with a loss of day-to-day independence.
How Rollators Reduce Back and Leg Pain for Spinal Conditions
Fortunately, there is a way for spinal condition patients to reclaim their daily independence through the use of a life-changing rollator. But how do they work?
Reduces Strain on the Spine: A rollator relieves pressure on the spine by providing much-needed upper body support in patients suffering from Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylosis, and Spondylolisthesis.
Improves Stability: Having a sturdy rollator to lean against provides extra stability to those who struggle with imbalance. This not only reduces pain while moving but also reduces the risk of injuries from falls.
Offers Rest From Pain: Sufferers from Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylosis, and Spondylolisthesis can temporarily lean forward on their rollator to alleviate back pain. Built-in seats also offer much-needed rest when patients grow tired or feel pain.
Supports Posture: Many rollators encourage users to stand in a more upright position, which benefits spinal health by putting less pressure on tender muscles and joints.
Key Rollator Features for Those With Spinal Conditions
Modern rollators come with a wide variety of features and benefits specifically designed to help people with spinal conditions like Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylosis, and Spondylolisthesis.
Ergonomic and Comfortable Designs to Ease Pain
Rollators are designed to make movement as comfortable as possible for the user. Some walking aids come with padded seats to provide an opportunity for rest. Modern frames and wheels are designed to absorb shock and reduce the risk of painful vibrations.
Upright Support and Adjustability Features
Some rollator models come with padded armrests to promote upright use. This allows the user to keep their shoulders relaxed, thus reducing back pain. Adjustable handles also give the user the opportunity to personalise the height to promote upright standing, improving their posture in the process.
Rollators are Built with Stability and Safety in Mind
Stability is the number one goal when it comes to rollators. Patients can opt for sturdy frames, bigger wheels, and four-wheel models to increase the number of points of contact with the ground. Many rollators also come with brakes to ensure the user is always in full control.
Rollators Are Full Of Benefits That Go Way Beyond Pain Relief
The primary benefit of a rollator is to promote movement and relieve pain, which is why they are so popular with those suffering from Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylosis, and Spondylolisthesis. However, they also have a number of other positive impacts on users living with spinal conditions.
Rollators Help To Build Mental Confidence
Experiencing consistent pain in your back and legs while walking can be a real confidence knocker. Fortunately, rollators not only take some of the physical burden away from the user, but they also promote a more positive mental outlook. The more you use your rollator, the more confident you will become in your ability to get outdoors and experience fresh air.
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Of course, you never want to push yourself too far, but rollators grant users the ability to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Just because you are experiencing physical pain does not mean you no longer need regular exercise. And we all know what profound benefits exercise can have on the body and mind!
A Rollator Is A Social Machine
Human beings are social animals. We crave company, conversations, and adventures. Fortunately, investing in a rollator means your life can continue beyond the four walls of your own home. Whether it's a short trip down the pub or a challenging walking holiday, your rollator fits into your life, not the other way around.
Choosing the Perfect Rollator for Your Spinal Condition
It is important to invest in a rollator that perfectly suits your specific needs. You need a rollator that slides as seamlessly into your day-to-day life as possible, while providing you with all the support and pain relief you need. Fortunately, there is a wide range to choose from.
What Type Of Rollator Is Best For Spinal Conditions?
One of the first questions to ask yourself on your rollator journey is: Do I want a lightweight or a heavier model? They each come with a range of pros and cons for those suffering from spinal conditions like Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylosis, and Spondylolisthesis.
As the name suggests, lightweight rollators are nice and easy to lift. That makes them perfect for home use and travelling. The smaller wheels are efficient in narrow hallways, but less so on challenging outdoor terrains. The lightweight frames are often made from aluminium, which is resistant to rust, but they have a maximum weight limit. Opting for a carbon fibre frame, which is five times stronger than steel, will give a higher weight tolerance.
Heavier rollators are, of course, designed to support heavier users, but they come with a wide range of other benefits too. What they lack in portability, they make up for in resistance to knocks and scrapes. The bigger wheels and heavier frames are also better suited to outdoor, rougher terrain.
Whatever option you go for, those suffering from spinal conditions often benefit more from opting for a rollator that promotes upright standing. These upright rollators significantly reduce back pain by allowing you to relax your shoulders and stand straight, while still providing support when you do need to lean forward or rest.
Indoor, Outdoor, or All-Terrain? What is best for spinal conditions?
When purchasing a rollator, it is important to invest in a model that is suited to your day-to-day needs. If you plan on taking your rollator on a hiking holiday, then perhaps an indoor model is not the best use of your money, for example. Remember, when dealing with a spinal injury, it is always best to choose something that will fully support your back and reduce the risk of pain. Also, make sure to invest in a fold-up rollator that fits in the boot of your car if needed.
Let's take a look at the features and benefits of indoor, outdoor, and all-terrain rollators!
Indoor rollators:
- Best for in and around the home
- Smaller wheels work best on smooth surfaces like floorboards and carpet
- Thrive in smaller spaces and narrow corridors
- Lightweight and easy to lift or store
- Aluminium frames are rust-resistant
Outdoor rollators:
- Best for pavements, in parks, and in shops
- Designed to help with day-to-day outdoor jobs
- Larger wheels can deal with curbs and grass
- Hand brakes to maintain control on slopes
- Sturdy frames provide support even on rough terrain
- Can come with a built-in seat for resting
All-terrain rollators:
- Tougher outdoor terrain
- Best on gravel, grass, countryside trails, beaches/sand, and uneven paths
- Durable wheels can deal with off-roading
- Shock absorption even on rough surfaces
- Strong frames can take a beating
- Strong brakes to maintain consistent control
- Extra features like seats, umbrella holders, cup holders, and more
- Often foldable to make transporting as easy as possible
View Our All-terrain Rollators
Getting Started: Your First Steps with a Rollator
Once your rollator arrives, run through our simple checklist to make sure it is ready to support you in your day-to-day activities. We always advise practising before embarking on long or challenging trips.
- Does it all work? – Are all the pieces included? Make sure nothing is broken.
- Adjust handle height – Make sure the handles are set at the perfect height to provide the very best support to your specific body.
- Test the brakes – Always, always, always test the brakes before you actually need to use them.
- Practice, practice, practice – The more you practice with your rollator, the more seamlessly it will fit into your day-to-day life.
- Look up, not down – Always look ahead to watch out for obstacles, rather than staring down at your feet.
- Posture – For those suffering from spinal conditions like Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylosis, and Spondylolisthesis, it is important to maintain an upright posture as much as you can to take the pressure off your back.
- Sitting – When sitting on the rollator, always apply the brakes before you sit to keep everything secure.
What Next?
You can view our rollators using the link below
Alternatively, feel free to contact one of our lovely experts who would be more than happy to help.