Back Pain and Walking Cane?

Hey there,

My mother has recently been in pain due to past problems with her back, she is having a hard time walking. Will a Walking Cane be a good support for her? I don't want to go out and spend the money if it's not going to help her.

Any input would be fantastic! I found some beautiful walking canes here I think she may like a walking cane if it looks pretty like the ones they have...




I have removed the link as it is against the forum rules to promote a business.

Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 3/12/2018 11:05:25 AM (GMT-6)

we are planning to go to the doctor this week to get her checked, I just called that company they have some nice fashionable canes, I am not sure if my mom will want the ones that have the four feet at the bottom, she will probably refuse to use them. She is one of those people who wants to look good no matter what, that is why I was so happy I found that site. My gut instinct tells me that she needs one, of course, I am not a doctor so I will wait to see what he says to my mom. Are there any other sites you can recommend as well Susie?

Applec:
Since your mother is to see her primary care physician this week, I would suggest that you ask him:her for a physical therapy referral for your mother.

A physical therapist can do a basic gait assessment and make recommendations as to an appropriate mobility aide (cane, walker, or other) to ease stress and pain to your mother’s low back when she is standing and upright and walking.

Picking up a basic cane and handing it to your mother may not have significant benefit. Your mother would likely benefit from a few visits with a physical therapist to assess what type of cane or walker would be best for her as well as how to properly use the cane/walker.

Canes with a base and four-legs are called “quad-canes.” I differ from Susie on this item. Quad canes are awkward for most people to use. The wide base and added weight can be an actual fall risk. Quad canes are most frequently used by individuals who are recovering from a stroke with unilateral limb weakness and mild balance disruptions.

A single point cane does not provide significant unweightong of the low back for those individuals with chronic low back pain. A front wheeled walker - and preferably a high-end rollator with 4 wheels, seat, and hand brakes - is best for those with low back pain. A wheeled walker encourages an erect posture (without slumping or a flexed posture) that alone can lessen back pain by lessening musculoskeletal pain owing to poor posture. Bilateral weight bearing through the arms of a walker reduces weight bearing forces through the lumbar spine and legs, reducing pain. The wheels facilitate a natural step sequence and walking cadence, often not feasible with a single cane and altered step/cane sequencing when walking. All to say: A rolling walker may be the optimal choice.

2-3 sessions with a physical therapist should suffice. Feel free to ask questions of the therapist and discuss his/her thinking process in making recommendations to your mother. It should be a collaborative meeting with the physical therapist where you and your mother are involved in the decisions made.
Karen