5 replies to this topic

[Rachel75]

Hey guys,

am C6 complete with bad scoliosis and my legs often fall over to one side quite a lot when I'm in my chair, wearing shoes etc and I don't sit square for very long anymore. Does anyone else have the same problem? If so, do you have any tips, have you built up cushions, changed something or found a solution to help you sit straighter?

Thanks for your help.

Rachel

[Webwych]

Hi Rachel

I have Spina Bifida (T12) and scoliosis. I also started having difficulty keeping myself upright (I'm tending to fall forwards and to one side) and my legs go to one side (mainly to keep my balance I think!), so I went for a wheelchair assesment recently.

We (the occupational therapist and I) realised my seat was too shallow, the chair was too narrow and I needed a high back and a slight backwards tilt. I also need seperate foot plates rather than the 'one piece' I currently have on this chair so that I can make the plates support my feet individually (I have one leg shorter than the other) and I also need a 'deep contour' cushion.

I should be getting the chair very soon .

[CR_L1]

Rachel75, on Oct 20 2008, 05:41 PM, said:

Hey guys,

am C6 complete with bad scoliosis and my legs often fall over to one side quite a lot when I'm in my chair, wearing shoes etc and I don't sit square for very long anymore. Does anyone else have the same problem? If so, do you have any tips, have you built up cushions, changed something or found a solution to help you sit straighter?

Thanks for your help.

Rachel

Hi Rachel,
As Webwych has already said, look into a high back with adjustable tention. That what I have & it's working well for me.
all the best,

Edited by CR_L1, 20 October 2008 - 05:04 PM.

[Webwych]

I just thought of something else. While I was doing my 'home work' for the new chair I read an article by a doctor who specialised in scoliosis and he said the worst thing in the world for it is 'sling' backs and seats, which is why I chose a rigid high back and the J2 cushion because it has a hard base.

[kDd]

Hey

I've a slight pelvic obliquity where my hip sits marginally higher on one side. Addressed it by building up my cushion on the opposing side, to ensure my posture is straight.

At the moment, I'm trialing lateral supports which are just attachments to your backrest which kind of "hug" you. Comfy as and really inconspicuous, once you're sitting in your chair. Worth checking out for any quad imo


kDd

[Avocado Baby]

Hello,

I was going to say exactly the same as Webwych. I have Spina Bifida (L1ish|) and have had a postural assessment. They said I could do with some support in my chair to help me sit up straighter. I have to go back soon and see what they can offer. I think you should push for a postural assessment too.

Good luck!