How to use a walking stick for back pain

If you live with back pain, you’ll be used to the uncomfortable pain and wincing with every step that you take. If you’re looking for mobility aids and living aids that can help reduce this, walking sticks might just be the answer you’re looking for. Walking sticks aren’t just for hiking enthusiasts and people who enjoy a good old stroll; they can also provide much-needed support and relief for people with back pain. So, if you’re considering purchasing a walking stick due to an injury, chronic pain or mobility issues, you’ve come to the right place.

Get yourself comfy and let’s dive into how to use a walking stick for back pain. We’ll also cover all the basics of using a walking stick, as well as the best walking sticks for back pain to provide you with effective support.

Why choose a walking stick for back pain?

Back pain can have a huge impact on a person’s day-to-day routine. It can make walking seem like a daunting and scary task, but fear not; using a walking stick can be a ticket to improved mobility and reduced discomfort. 

There are many benefits of walking sticks:

• Extra support: Walking sticks provide an extra point of contact with the ground, redistributing your weight and lessening the weight on your back. This can be particularly helpful if you're dealing with muscle strains or minor injuries.
• Better balance: Back pain can mess with your balance, making you feel unsteady on your feet. A walking stick acts as a stabiliser, allowing you to move with more confidence and reducing the risk of falls.
• Less strain: By easing the strain on your back, walking sticks can help prevent your pain from worsening and promote faster healing if you're dealing with an injury.

How to use a walking stick for back pain

Using a walking stick for back pain is all about finding the right balance and technique. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your new walking aid:

Step 1: Choose the right walking stick for you

When choosing your walking stick, you want to select one that suits your height and offers a comfortable grip. Look for adjustable sticks with ergonomic handles for optimal support.

Step 2: Hold it right

You’d be surprised at how often some people aren’t holding their walking stick correctly.

When using a walking stick correctly, you want to make sure you grip the handle firmly with the hand opposite to your painful side. If your right side is sore, hold the walking stick in your left hand, and vice versa. This ensures you are distributing your weight more evenly, reducing the impact on your injured or painful side.

Step 3: Get walking

Begin walking normally, moving the walking stick in tandem with your painful side. For example, if your left side hurts, move the stick forward when your left leg steps. This coordination aids in distributing weight more evenly.

Step 4: Try to maintain good posture

Stand upright and avoid leaning on the walking stick excessively. It's meant to provide support, not to become a crutch. This will help to prevent future issues and, subsequently, more back pain problems.

When should I consider a walking stick for back pain?

Walking sticks can be beneficial for various back conditions and injuries, including:

• Muscle strains: If you've strained your back muscles, a walking stick can help minimise strain during movement and speed up recovery.
• Herniated disc: Dealing with a herniated disc? A walking stick can assist in maintaining proper alignment and reducing pressure on the problem area.
• Osteoarthritis: Walking sticks provide support to joints affected by osteoarthritis, making walking more comfortable and putting less strain on your back.
• Post-surgery: After back surgery, a walking stick can offer crucial support during the recovery period, aiding mobility while minimising stress on the healing area.

Remember, using a walking stick doesn't mean you're admitting defeat; it means you're taking charge of your well-being and seeking the comfort you deserve.

The best walking sticks for back pain

We have many walking sticks at Complete Care Shop that can be highly beneficial for people living with back pain. There are many that are suitable for those with back pain, so choosing the right walking stick for you will depend on your personal preference.

Adjustable walking sticks are ideal for back pain, as these allow you to adjust them specifically for your height. This reduces strain on your back by preventing you from hunching over to use it, allowing you to keep your back correctly aligned.

For extended walks out and about, hiking poles can be particularly useful if you live with back pain. These are excellent aids, as they promote better posture by providing equal balance on both your left and right sides.

Above all else, walking sticks that come with ergonomic features are the best walking sticks for back pain. Ergonomic walking sticks are designed with both comfort and practicality in mind, so often feature grips that can reduce pressure on your hands and thereby your back

Walking sticks and aids from Complete Care Shop

If back pain is affecting your day-to-day life, considering a walking stick could be your path to a more comfortable and mobile life. By distributing weight, improving balance and reducing strain, these unassuming aids can make a world of difference. So, pick the perfect stick, learn the technique and stride into a pain-relieved future.

If you need assistance in choosing a walking stick that best suits you, contact us today and a member of our friendly team will be able to assist you. Our Occupational Therapists can help advise on which one is most suitable for your specific requirements.

If you’re looking for some advice on living with back pain and how to navigate through this, we have a range of articles that can help you out on our mobility blog.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making decisions about your health and mobility needs.