Back pain is among the most common health concerns affecting millions of people in the world. It can be triggered by different factors, such as poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, and underlying medical conditions. However, what most people might not realize is that the quality of their sleep environment, specifically the mattress they sleep on, can have a huge effect in either exacerbating or alleviating their back pain.
In this article, we are going to discuss the connection between mattresses and back pain relief. Along with that, we will also provide you with some of the best tips in order to choose the best mattress for your needs. By the end of this article, you will have a clearer understanding of how your choice of mattress can possibly contribute to a more restful and pain-free night’s sleep, which can also help improve your overall well-being.
Indications That Your Mattress is Causing Your Back Pain
Can a mattress cause you back pain? The answer is yes, using the wrong mattress can. When it comes to sleep quality and determining how you feel when you get up in the morning, the mattress you use is quite important. When you continuously sleep on the wrong mattress, it can cause your spine to lose its natural alignment and strain the muscles, which leads to back pain.
Below are some of the different signs that your mattress is causing your back pain:
You Wake Up with Pain
If you feel back pain every time you wake up in the morning, the mattress you are sleeping on and your sleeping positions are likely the reason. Using an old mattress or one that is too soft for you can put a strain on your spine, which may lead to back pain in the morning.
You Can’t Seem to Find a Comfortable Sleeping Position
If you do not feel comfortable with your sleeping position, you will end up tossing and turning all night. Using an uncomfortable mattress can be the main cause of you having a restless night’s sleep. You will keep on tossing and turning because you can’t find a comfortable sleeping position, which can also contribute to back pain.
You Feel You’re Sinking into the Mattress
If you feel that your mattress seems to be eating you up when you sleep, it can be the reason behind your back pain, too. It’s because your spine is not able to maintain a neutral position with the type of mattress you are using.
Your Mattress is Too Soft or Too Hard
If your mattress is too soft for you, it can start hurting your spine. On the other hand, if the mattress is too hard, it can cause joint pressure. That is why a lot of experts recommend choosing mattresses that are medium-firm orthopedic. This helps in combating the issue of using a mattress that is too soft or too hard.
You’re Using a New Mattress
If you are using a new mattress, it can also be the cause of your back pain. It’s because our body usually takes time to adjust to a new sleep surface. If you felt your back pain after using a new mattress, then there’s a high possibility that it is causing your lower back pain. If this is the case, you just need to give your body some time to adapt to the new mattress.
You’re Using an Old Mattress
According to sleep experts, it is ideal to change a mattress every 7 to 8 years. It’s because mattresses wear out over time. In addition to that, our body weight, sleeping habits, and bone density also change with time. These are some reasons a mattress needs to be replaced with a new one that has the ideal firmness and support for your body.
Your Mattress is Saggy and Uneven
Using a bad mattress can have a huge impact on the way you feel when you wake up. According to a lot of experts, sleeping on an old and lumpy mattress is highly likely to cause chronic back pain. Therefore, it is important to check your mattress if there’s any visible sagging, particularly in the middle, because it is quite harmful to your spine health.
Lack of Support
If you can feel the support bars or the springs of your mattress through the surface when you sleep, this is a clear sign that your mattress is no longer giving your body proper support.
Types of Mattresses and Their Connection to Back Pain Relief
Choosing the correct mattress is a key step in dealing with back pain. Different mattress types are available, each with its unique features and possible impact on back pain relief. Understanding the different options that you have is important for making an informed decision. To help you, below are some of the most common types of mattresses and their suitability for back pain relief:
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses feature coiled springs that provide support and durability. They also have good airflow temperature regulation. However, most of them have limited contouring to the body’s shape. Also, over time, it can provide uneven support due to wear and tear. Innerspring mattresses also have possible pressure points that exacerbate back pain. This means that it is not an ideal type of mattress for relieving back pain.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses have viscoelastic foams that conform to the body, promoting even support. It also provides pressure point relief, which can benefit those with back pain. Aside from that, this type of mattress also reduces motion transfer, which aids in uninterrupted sleep.
A memory foam mattress is suitable for back pain relief because it has enhanced spinal alignment and support. Choosing one with a higher density is a good idea for better support.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses can be made from either natural or synthetic latex. Both of these can offer consistent support. They are also hypoallergenic and mold and dust mite resistant. Most latex mattresses are durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
These mattresses can help alleviate back pain as they have exceptional support for spinal alignment. Their material bounces back quickly and retains shape. It is also great for couples due to the reduced motion transfer.
Adjustable Mattresses
These are beds that feature customizable positions for various sleep preferences. They may include features like massage or elevation. They are great for people who have specific medical needs. Since it has variable positioning, it can help alleviate back pain symptoms. It also offers enhanced comfort and support for different sleep positions.
It is important to understand the characteristics and benefits of each mattress type when it comes to choosing the right one to support your back health. If you need more information, you may also read our Guide to Picking the Right Mattress for Your Needs.
Other Things to Consider When Choosing a Mattress for Back Pain Relief
In addition to the different types of mattresses available to choose from, there are also other important factors that you need to consider in order to pick the best one that may help with your back pain issues. Below are some of them:
Firmness Level
For back pain sufferers, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mattress firmness. Different people may need different levels of firmness based on their body weight, sleep position, and personal preference. But for most people, medium-firm mattresses usually offer a good balance of support and comfort.
However, those who have specific back conditions or preferences may find a softer or firmer mattress that suits their needs better. Therefore, it is also best to test different mattresses and consult with doctors if needed to know the ideal firmness level for your back pain concerns.
Edge Support
A mattress that has good edge support is ideal if you want to alleviate your back pain. It’s because these mattresses can maintain their shape and support even when you sit or lie near the edges. This can be essential for those who need to sit on the edge of the bed or share the bed with a partner.
Motion Isolation
If you sleep with a partner, a mattress with motion isolation can be great to prevent disturbances caused by their movements during the night. This helps ensure that your sleep is uninterrupted, giving your back a lot of time to rest and recover properly.
Conclusion
It is indeed important to choose a mattress that has proper support in order to manage and prevent back pain. By understanding the connection between mattresses and back pain relief considering the important factors and mattress types, you’ll be able to decide which mattress will be best for your spinal health and sleep. By using the right type of mattress for your body type, sleeping position, and personal preferences, you’ll be able to wake up every day feeling refreshed and painless. We hope this article helped you learn more about the connection between mattresses and back pain relief.