Footwear and Back Pain Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Golf Tips to Avoid Back Pain Avoiding Back Pain on Vacation Keeping a Healthy Posture Pain Prevention for Athletes Yard Work and Back Pain Housework and Back or Neck Pain Swimming and Back or Neck Pain Back Injury Prevention Tips Staying Active in the Winter Staying Active While at Home Staying Fit while Avoiding Injury Depression Caused by Back Pain Office Chairs and Ergonomics Jobs That Might Cause or Aggravate Back Pain Recreational Sports That Might Aggravate Back Pain Running and Lower Back Pain The Effects of Smoking on Spinal Anatomy How to Quit Smoking Medications to Quit Smoking Back Pain and Computer Use Back Pain during Travel Ways to Relieve Stress Ever wonder why you sometimes go to sleep without spine pain and wake up with an achy back? Chances are you’re not sleeping on a mattress with proper spine support.
Because we spend about eight hours out of every 24 in bed, it’s extremely important that we practice correct spinal alignment as we sleep, just as we would try to have good posture while sitting or standing. Tips for mattress buying If you’re one of the millions of people who experience neck or back pain due to a ruptured disc, disc protrusion, spinal stenosis or arthritis of the spine, you should remember that spending eight hours in a position that puts added stress on any component of your neck or back will only exacerbate these conditions. Below are a few tips for selecting a mattress that can help you get a good night’s sleep. Get a medium-firm mattress. While many people say you should get an extra firm mattress, these can actually be too firm and might not allow your spine to settle into a neutral position. Look for a mattress with lumbar support. The lower back is the area of the back that is most prone to degenerative conditions, so a mattress should “cradle” this section of your back, thereby encouraging proper posture even while sleeping.
Consider an adjustable bed. This type of mattress will allow you to get support from your head to your toes, including under-the-knee support, pelvic support and upper back support. Buy a pillow with cervical (neck) support. This will allow your neck to reach a neutral position and will mitigate stress on the other regions of the spine.You could do hours of research on the best types of orthopedic mattresses, but nothing can compare to your first instinct when you lie down on a mattress and feel completely comfortable. Other lifestyle changes that can help mitigate back pain There are a variety of other lifestyle changes that can help reduce discomfort in your back. Consider ergonomic seating at the office. Avoid recreational sports that might cause or aggravate neck or back pain, but remember to stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. If your back pain persists, work with your physician to design a regimen of pain medication, hot-cold therapy and other conservative treatments.
Eight out of ten people will have back pain at some point in their lives1. Symptoms range from a dull, constant ache to acute, debilitating pain. And since people spend about one-third of their lives in bed, the mattress you use can impact whether or not you suffer from back pain more than almost anything else. That's why so many people are searching for the best mattress for back pain. Scientific studies have proven that getting the right mattress for back pain can improve your symptoms and sleep quality2. The best mattresses for back pain will evenly support your weight and allow your spine to remain aligned. When looking for the best mattress for back pain, the two main things to consider are its firmness and the materials it's made from. Scientific studies have proven that getting the right mattress for back pain can improve your symptoms and sleep quality.Best Mattresses For Back Pain When you have chronic back pain, it is difficult to focus and function throughout the day.
In fact, back pain is one of the most common reasons to miss work and the second-most-common reason to see a doctor, according to the American Chiropractic Association. They estimate that some 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given moment, and up to 80% of us will suffer back pain over the course of a lifetime. The Sleep Specialists at Mattress World Northwest want you to get the best night’s sleep ever. While pinpointing the precise cause of back pain is a challenge best left to chiropractors and physicians, our knowledgeable team is adept at helping customers find a mattress with the right level of firmness and comfort to enable a more restful, restorative sleep. Types of mattresses for back pain It was once widely thought, “The firmer the mattress, the better the back.” However, a 2003 study of more than 300 sleepers with chronic lower back pain found that patients with medium-firm mattresses had less pain three months later than patients with firm mattresses.
We can show you the following options to help you find that perfect balance between support and comfort: Innerspring– Innerspring mattresses, made with individually enclosed coils covered in cotton or latex, are the most popular type of mattress. Back pain sufferers will want to find a model with around 390 coils for optimal support. Memory Foam –Increasingly popular memory foam mattresses are comprised of foam layers that conform to your body shape. A small study of eight patients with severe back pain conducted by the Yale School of Medicine found that patients reported longer and better sleep, a boost in mental health, and improved quality of life when switching from an innerspring to a memory foam mattress. Latex –Natural latex mattresses are renowned for offering a comfortable marriage of firm support and conforming comfort. A study of 27 patients by Oklahoma State University researchers found that pain and discomfort were significantly reduced by the use of foam latex mattresses.
Air Mattresses –High-end air mattresses use adjustable air-filled chambers to alleviate pressure. Many hospitals use this type of bed for their back injury patients. Our Sleep Specialists will help you avoid common mistakes in searching for the best mattress for back pain, such as: Opting for a foam or latex mattress that is too soft Choosing an inner spring mattress that places too much pressure on the hips and shoulders Buying a mattress without considering other factors like sleep position and pillow Shop local for the best service Our store associates do not believe any one type of mattress is “best for all back pain sufferers.” Instead, we take a personal approach to mattress shopping and look at your individual sleeping style, preferences and pains before making a recommendation. Stop by Mattress World Northwest to see the largest selection of mattress types, brands and models for back pain in the Portland metro area. Get Your Free Sleep Analysis, and Start Sleeping Better Tonight!