You don't have permission to access /ezadmin/index.php Additionally, a 403 Forbidden error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request.Chronic back pain is one the most challenging medical conditions to treat and/or cure – and yet it sends more people to the doctor than sore throats. Sitting all day at a desk or standing in heels wreaks havoc on spinal alignment and most of us don’t exercise enough to undo that damage. Sleep can help heal the abuse we throw at our backs but most of us don’t sleep on a mattress that adequately supports our backs and joints. And when we don’t give our backs the rest they need, mornings can be painful. If you and your mattress have lost that loving feeling, let’s talk about the ways a mattress can hurt your back – and the types of mattresses that can help back pain management and support. Mattress support refers to how well a mattress can maintain an equally level surface for the lighter (head, hands and feet) and heavier (hips and torso) parts of your body.
A very soft mattress may be supportive initially buy may fail to support your body equally as time goes on. In extreme cases, a soft mattress that begins to sag (which often occurs in the center third of the mattress) can result in lower back pain in and out of bed. An important thing to note is that some degree of dipping (in that middle third of your mattress) is a natural occurrence as areas that support the heaviest parts of the body compress over time. While a supportive mattress is important, pay attention to how it conforms to your shape as well. Conformability describes how a mattress molds to the unique curves of your body. A mattress with good conformability attends to heavier and lighter areas equally, which relieves pressure point pain and protects your back from pain. A mattress that lacks conformability can result in lower back pain by forcing it into an unnaturally flat position. Your body is in alignment when the spine is (mostly) straight when lying on your side.
When you lie on your back, your spine naturally forms an “S” shape. A supportive, conforming mattress allows your back muscles to relax, which improves healthy blood circulation and reduces tossing and turning. Mom always said the firmer the mattress, the better and for many years I slept on a mattress that felt more like the sidewalk than a bed. Thanks to those years, my chiropractor and massage therapist enjoy job security. In general, mattresses fall into three categories: Does your mattress offer you the support, conformability and firmness you need to reduce your back pain? Many people confuse firmness with support when they’re shopping for a new mattress – and conformability often never enters the conversation. To minimize pain and discomfort and help your body relax into healing, regenerative sleep, you need a mattress that conforms to your sleeping position while supporting all areas of your body – not an easy task. So how do you find the best mattress for you?
Grab your partner (if you don’t sleep alone) and start mattress shopping. By shopping, we mean lying on a lot of mattresses. Talk to lots of sales people – this is their business after all – but be prepared to test mattresses for yourself. You know how your body feels on a bad mattress, so it makes sense that you’ll also know what feels good. Try these 3 simple rules when shopping: What’s the true cost of a good mattress? If you spent $2,000 on a new mattress and slept comfortably on that mattress for 7 years, the cost of healthy sleep would be $1.27 per night – less than the cost of Starbucks coffee in the morning… If you’re ready for a new mattress, we’d love to help you find the right one for you. Visit our Find a Retailer page and we’ll locate a store close by where you can lie on our mattresses and talk to a trained sales professional. Wellness › Sleep › Did you know that the average person spends approximately one third of their life in bed?
Yet when it comes to where we sleep, we often do not consider how our mattress can affect our backs. No other piece of furniture in your house is used as often or affects your overall health more than your bed. So read the following information on how your bed can save your aching back. Now I lay me down to sleep… Sleep is essential for everyone. A lack of sleep can contribute to failing health and increased pain. The spine, in particular, greatly benefits from adequate sleep. The spine works hard all day supporting the body and its functions. A period of rest is essential to maintain this activity. An inadequate sleep surface, however, can make this impossible. Why is mattress selection important? What you sleep on makes a big difference in the quality of sleep you get every night. A mattress without enough support for your spine can lead to muscle fatigue and a poor night's sleep. A good mattress maintains the same natural spinal alignment you have when standing.
When your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, muscles are relaxed and sleep is more refreshing. What should I look for in a mattress? When buying a new mattress keep the following points in mind: Type: There are different types of mattresses including innerspring, foam, flotation (water beds), and air mattresses. While innerspring mattresses may offer more variety in terms of firmness and support, many people find the other types of mattresses just as comfortable. The best type of mattress is the one that offers you the most support and is the most comfortable for you. Foundation: The foundation, often called a box spring, is also important. The box spring absorbs stress and weight for the mattress. The correct foundation can extend the life of the mattress; therefore, try to purchase the box spring designed to go with your mattress. Using no foundation, old foundations, or mixing mattresses and box springs can negatively affect the level of support and the durability of your mattress.
Firmness: It is not necessarily true that firmer is better. A mattress that is too firm does not support the body evenly, tending only to support the body's heaviest parts. A mattress that is too soft sags and prevents the spine from maintaining proper alignment. Neither situation allows your muscles to rest, as they must work throughout the night to find a comfortable position and maintain correct posture. Comfort: When shopping for a mattress make sure you take the time to try it out. Lie down on the mattress positioned how you usually sleep. Turn over from one side to the other. If you sleep with a partner, try the mattress together to make sure there is enough space for both sleepers to move around. Make sure the mattress can support your spine in its natural curve. Keep in mind that manufacturers use different terms for comfort and firmness that may be confusing. Terms such as "orthopaedic" are often used by mattress makers, but do not have any actual medical meaning.
By trying out the mattress before you buy it, you will be better able to tell which one is the most comfortable for you. Durability: Durability has to do with how long the mattress materials will last. Look for quality materials for the core as well as the cover. See if the manufacturer offers a warranty on the mattress in case of defects. Mattress prices are determined by what they are made out of, the quality of the construction, and the size. A good mattress and box spring should last about 8-10 years. So consider it an investment. Don't just look for the lowest price; look for the best value. It is important to turn your mattress frequently to maintain even wear and to give you the best support. Do I need a new mattress? Mattresses do not last forever. Most of us wait too long to replace our mattresses. If you have had the same mattress for over 10 years, chances are you need a new one. However, there are some other signs including: You wake up tired and achy.
This may be a sign that your mattress is no longer providing you with enough support to give you a good night's rest. If you don't wake up feeling refreshed, it may be time to get a new mattress. Your mattress looks old, worn, or frayed. The box spring creaks and squeaks. These are all signs that the mattress and foundation may be worn out. Your bed is just not comfortable. Does the mattress sag or leave an impression where you sleep? If you find yourself rolling toward the center or you can't seem to find a comfortable position to sleep in, it's time to consider a new mattress. Does the position I sleep in make a difference?Sleeping on your side, with the knees bent or with a pillow between the knees, is the best way to maintain proper body posture. If you must sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to support the normal curve of the lower back. Sleeping on your stomach or with your head elevated on an oversized pillow arches the natural curves of the back, as well as increases pressure on the diaphragm and lungs.