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There are many factors that contribute to back pain. According to the Better Sleep Council study, 73% of people cited back pain from a mattress as a reason to buy a new mattress.
In today’s article we will try to find the correlation between back pain and mattress. How a mattress contributes to a good night’s sleep and helps to wake up relaxed without back problems. We also look at some common related questions that come to mind when we are not satisfied with our mattress.
Let’s start with a common question.
Can a mattress give you back pain?
Yes, a mattress can cause back pain if it is not supported. The most common causes of mattress back pain are choosing a mattress that is too soft or too firm, sagging issues, and spinal misalignment.
It’s no hidden secret that a mattress that doesn’t support your back will cause pain in the long run. But how do we end up with a mattress that doesn’t suit us?
Why a friend recommending a mattress may be a recipe for disaster?
In our research, we found that most of us trust the mattress recommendations in our immediate circle of friends. Marrisa from our team bought a mattress based on a real life review from her cousin. She was confused and cheated when the mattress didn’t live up to expectations.
Frankly, her cousin didn’t cheat on her. It makes sense to get feedback on the shopping experience or after sales support. Marrisa made an emotionally biased decision rather than an informed one. Marrisa’s body type and sleeping habits are very different from her cousin’s.
Choosing the best mattress for your back pain is not complicated. Everything you need to understand your body type and sleeping habits.
A soft mattress may not be a supportive option for someone who sleeps on their back or stomach. Likewise, a person who sleeps on their side will wake up with pain in their shoulder and lower back if they regularly sleep on a firm mattress. Swap that firm mattress for one that sleeps on your back and a soft mattress for one that sleeps on your side and you’ll probably both wake up refreshed and pain free.
A mattress will give you back pain if you don’t take your body type and sleeping position into account. A heavy person or someone with more weight around the hips will need a mattress designed to support the lower back.
Can memory foam hurt your back?
A memory foam mattress can hurt your back if your spine is misaligned while you sleep. Look for a medium firm memory foam mattress instead of one that sinks your body deep into.
Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions related to buying a mattress.
What mattress do chiropractors recommend?
Chiropractors recommend purchasing an orthopedic mattress if you develop chronic back pain. Orthopedic mattresses are built and designed to provide extra support for your joints and back.
What mattress firmness is best for back pain?
Medium firmness is best for most people with back pain. But as mentioned above, don’t rule out the importance of your weight/body type and sleeping position, which varies from person to person.
What mattress is best for a bad back?
A hybrid mattress is better for a damaged back because the combination of coils and comfort layers provides better support, contouring and pressure relief.
How do you tell if your mattress is hurting your back?
It is important to realize and avoid ignoring the fact if you often wake up with back pain. There are some vital signs that can tell you if your mattress is hurting your back.
- Check for any indentations in the mattress or signs of sagging.
- Does your box spring or bed make a squeaking sound when you move in bed?
- Round and round at night?
- Have you developed new allergies or do you often sneeze/cough at night? It could be a sign of allergens in the mattress.
- Is your mattress too old?
- Has the firmness of your mattress changed?
- Do you wake up with pain, stiffness, numbness or tingling in your joints?
- The frequent feeling of tiredness or tiredness upon waking up can be a sign of a bad mattress.
Many people wait for a breaking point to trigger the purchase of a new mattress. They often save money by spending money on a mattress topper instead of buying a new bed. One of the most common questions we get is:
Will a mattress pad help back pain?
A mattress base can help with back pain if your existing mattress provides good support, but the top layer of comfort is not enough. It can help relieve pressure by providing a good contour. If the mattress base does not provide support, adding a mattress protector does not make sense to breathe new life into the mattress.
Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?
For back pain relief it is best for stomach and back sleepers to sleep on a firm or hard mattress, while side sleepers prefer a soft mattress for adequate support around the shoulders and hips.
How should I lay in bed with lower back pain?
One should lie on the back in bed with pain in the bottom as having a neutral spine while sleeping is the key to relief. In some cases, it helps to align the spine by holding rolled up towels under the knees to lift the legs. However, for comfort, we recommend wearing a wedge pillow under the knees.
How do you relieve back pain from a mattress?
Here are some proven tips that will help you relieve back pain from a mattress.
- Use the correct pillow under your head and knees to elevate your legs and achieve the correct spinal position when sleeping on your back.
- Stomach sleepers can use a thin pillow under their stomach, while side sleepers can place a pillow between their knees.
- Avoid sleeping on an extra firm or soft mattress.
- Invest in a good mattress topper for back pain if the mattress provides support but lags behind in terms of comfort.
- Do not get out of bed immediately after sleeping. Slowly move to your side with some support so that there is less pressure on your back.
- Add a light stretch once you’re ready to relax the muscles, especially the hamstrings.
- Make changes to your daily diet and include foods that help reduce inflammation. For example: fatty fish, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, use olive oil, etc.
- Finally, if you suffer from chronic back pain, we strongly recommend that you switch to a well-adjustable bed if possible.
Mattress Recommendations due to Conditions related to Back Pain
Obviously, there is no “best mattress” that can solve every individual’s back pain problems. People who ignore their back pain often develop problems or conditions directly related to back pain. At SMHQ, we constantly strive to provide current and relevant information.
We have special articles and tips for common back problems. We recommend that you read the articles below for a specific issue you are currently facing.