The Best Tools for Cozy Reading With Chronic Pain

Alex recommends selecting a reading chair with a backrest reaching at least mid-head level or higher.

Preferably, this chair has a high back for added comfort.

While a recliner is ideal, you can also put your feet on a footstool.

She encourages you to consider this stool a “calf stool” or “knee stool” instead of positioning it at your feet.

Make sure that when you pull in the ottoman, it almost touches your knees.

When seated in this reclined position, a rolled-up towel or blanket should be underneath your knees to remove pressure.

Chairs featuring elevated armrests are ideal as they help alleviate tension in the neck and shoulders.

Amy's Note:  Whatever chair you choose, it is ideal to purchase from a furniture store where you can find a chair that fits your needs best.

We time big purchases like these with seasonal furniture sales. Please look for brands that offer warranties, especially if you choose an electronic option.

While this reading chair sounds unusual, Alex recommends a lightweight, portable massage table as a perfect reading solution for people with headaches or neck issues.

Lie face down and position your Kindle through the hole of the massage table. A Kindle remote (see below) can give your body a true rest position to turn the pages.

Surprisingly, you can find options for a mere $55! We are linking to all the options available so you can find the one that fits your budget best.

While Alex and I love holding a book, a Kindle Paperwhite is a fantastic book option for people with chronic pain.

The reduced weight minimizes strain on wrists and fingers, making long reading periods much more comfortable.

If you still want to do a paper book, Alex encourages you NOT to purchase heavy novels with multiple books in one. The key is to keep your book as light as possible. 

If you have a heavy book that you want to read, you can also do your own "book surgery" by cutting down heavy books for easier reading.

Here are some tips on breaking heavy books into smaller books for carrying. 

Related- How to Get FREE Kindle Books Now

Alex recommends this visual timer as a simple and effective reminder for changing positions when reading.

Sometimes referred to as an ADHD timer, this helps you to visualizes time (without phone distractions) and includes a helpful buzzer when your time is up.

Set the timer to prompt you to change position regularly, every 30 minutes, to prevent prolonged or potentially harmful postures.

Related ADHD Tips- Accomplish More With a Virtual Body Double or Improve Your Reading Memory and Focus Podcast Episode

An amber book light is an excellent addition to your nighttime reading tool kit. Ensure your book light is lightweight to reduce additional strain on your joints.

Alex shared that it is essential to create a gentle and eye-friendly environment for reading.

Look for a book light with warm light and an adjustable brightness. It can help prevent headaches and improve your overall reading experience.

For readers who can't give up the experience of an actual book, this velcro design securely holds a book open and allows for flexible positioning over your bed, chair, or even upside down!

This gadget is the priciest item on our list, but it is worth every dollar for readers with limited mobility.

If you are on a budget, check Ebay pricing for LEVO stands for a gently used version. If you can find the more budget-friendly clamp version, I highly recommend it!

A heated mattress pad is the perfect cozy reading solution when reading in bed in winter.

The mattress pad offers two controllers for each side of your bed and acts as a whole-body heating pad when needed.

Alex shared a tool like this is terrific for people who have dysautonomia as they have a heightened sensitivity to cold, often resulting in pain. The heated mattress pad promotes coziness AND helps improve your blood flow in the process.

I recommend the "Flip" design on this pillow when sitting upright in bed for reading. It is why it has been my go-to reading pillow for many years.

It offers excellent support in your recliner under your legs and supports you when reading in bed. It is squishy, so I use this as a base to build out a perfect pillow scenario.

The pillow cover is sold separately.

While I'm obsessed with this particular cushion design, ANY office cushion with a rubber bottom is excellent for helping you stay comfortably upright and supported when reading in bed.

A base helps support a more comfortable posture during my extended reading sessions and helps reduce strain on my back. You will have to listen to today's Book Gang podcast to make some surprising discoveries about good posture!

To keep things economical, if you already own an office chair cushion, see if it helps when reading in bed.

The gooseneck tablet stand is ideal for readers with a headboard or accessible nightstand for attaching this Kindle book holder.

This stand provides adjustable positioning for comfortable viewing and hands-free accessibility to your tablet or e-reader at an optimal angle and height.

Alex and I both appreciate this reading gadget as a fantastic tool for those with hand pain. You can choose which finger is working best for you that day to turn your pages.

If you also struggle with circulatory issues like POTS Syndrome or Raynaud's Syndrome, knowing that you can use this remote UNDER A BLANKET to keep your hands toasty warm while reading is helpful.

This device does work with a Kindle, Nook, or iPad.

Related- How a Kindle Page Turner Remote Improved My Reading Life

Finger splints can offer joint support when reading and come in beautiful designs. These little splints help with trigger finger pain and stabilize joints for individuals with hypermobility or laxity in their finger joints.

While we agree there should be no stigma around bracing, some ring splints look like elegant jewelry and offer discreet bracing if you don't opt for the plastic version. Many Etsy sellers offer metal ring splints (gold or silver) if you prefer something more fashionable.

For the practical reader, you can also purchase oval eight splints that can be bought in bulk with various sizing options.