In the sitting position, we sit on two bones that are part of the pelvis called the ischial tuberosities. Cushions provide pressure relief because they spread the weight, allowing you to sink down into them and distributing the pressures of sitting over a larger surface area. Different cushions provide different degrees of pressure relief depending on the material from which they are manufactured and aspects of their design. Because everyone is different, your needs in the area of pressure relief should be assessed by your physiotherapist. Your physiotherapist will take into consideration factors such as your ability to pressure lift , the design of your wheel-chair, how your wheelchair is adjusted, your posture, any pain that you may experience in this position, loss of skin sensation and any history of pressure problems.
Pressure sores are an extremely serious complication of spinal cord injury.
If you develop any red areas or skin breakdown from sitting in your wheelchair, it is important that you try to determine the cause as soon as possible. Poor posture usually results in your spine taking on a 'C' shape. The skin over the coccyx and sacrum is thin with little padding. It does not tolerate pressure well and will break down more easily Good posture usually means having your bottom back as far as it will go. Check your skin regularly after you have been sitting.