Your Mattress Sags In Certain Areas
Older or even poor-quality mattresses tend to sag in certain areas, especially right down the middle. This is because with repeated use every night, your body weight softens and compacts the material of your mattress, creating an indentation in the most-used area of the mattress. For most people, this is going to be somewhere in the middle, and unfortunately, this means that youll start to sink or roll into this spot each night. Your back wont get the support it needs once your mattress is sagging, so youll either need to replace it or try adding support to it.
Sleeping On Your Stomach
Dr Smycz said that your sleep posture is an additional factor to back and neck pain. Stomach sleepers, take note!
Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position to sleep in because you have to turn your head, which puts a strain on the neck and upper back, said Dr Smycz. Sleeping on your stomach compresses the solar plexus, and digestion is affected as well. It doesnt allow you to properly rest and repair throughout the night.
So whats the ideal sleeping position to avoid back pain?
The ideal sleep posture is lying on your side, explained Dr Smycz. When lying on your side, imagine a line going all the way from the neck through to the spine. You want that line to be straight. A nice, supportive mattress will keep that spine aligned.
We know that side sleepers often prefer a softer mattress, but its important to find a firmness level that correlates to your weight. The best mattress for side sleepers is a memory foam mattress.
What Are The Best Mattresses For Upper Back Pain
If youre struggling with upper back pain, youre not alone. In fact, its one of the most common complaints our customers have. But dont worry, were here to help.
Here at Mattress Insider, weve spent years researching the best mattresses for all sorts of different conditions, and were confident that we can help you find the perfect one for your needs.
When it comes to upper back pain, there are a few things youll want to look for in a mattress. Firstly, youll need something that provides good support for your spine and neck. This is important because if your spine is not properly supported, it can lead to further pain and discomfort.
Secondly, youll want a mattress that is firm enough to provide support but not so firm that it causes pressure points. This is why many people find that memory foam mattresses are a good option for upper back pain. They contour to your body, providing support without causing any pressure points.
Finally, youll want to make sure that the mattress you choose is comfortable. This is important because if youre not comfortable, youre likely to spend less time in bed, which can actually worsen your pain.
With all of this in mind, weve put together a list of the best mattresses for upper back pain. These are the mattresses that our customers have told us provide the best support, comfort, and value for money.
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Is It Better To Sleep On A Hard Or Soft Mattress
The decision solely rely on two things:
- Your current health condition
- Your body type and sleeping position.
If you are heavier, you can go for a firm mattress . It will help prevent you from unnecessary sagging and provide an ample amount of support to your spine. A soft or medium-firm mattress might be the right option if you are thinner.
A firm mattress might be ideal if you already suffer from chronic backaches or hip or joint pain . People who have these medical conditions are often referred to as medium-soft mattresses. Not only does it contours your body, but it takes off any excess strain from your muscles, giving you restful sleep.
How The Wrong Mattress Affects Your Back
Most people who experience back pain and stiffness should look to their mattress or more specifically their mattresss firmness level.
If your back pain comes when you first wake up, but you can stretch to get rid of it within 1530 minutes, then thats a major sign that your mattress is doing more harm than good. Also, if you find yourself waking up more frequently, or tossing and turning while trying to fall asleep, then that should also be an indicator.
Its important to note that even if youre not prone to back pain, you should replace your mattress every eight years.
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How A Bad Mattress Can Cause Back Pain
A lesser known cause for back pain is having a bad mattress. Although common causes such as an injury, bad posture, or poor eating habits are the leading cause of back pain a bad mattress can actually worsen the pain! The combination of a pre-existing pain + a bad mattress is a recipe for disaster and heres why.
Quality Of The Mattress
It makes sense that the quality of your mattress is directly related to back pain. Dr Smycz explains that how well you look after the mattress is a major factor. You need to make sure the mattress is protected and looked after.
If your mattress is in good condition in terms of quality, age, and treatment you should not be waking up with back stiffness, said Dr Smycz.
Youll know its time to replace your mattress if you feel chronic back pain that greets you in the morning.
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Different Types Of Back Pain
“The back is such a large and important part of the body, it’s not unusual for it to develop aches and pains,” Hascalovici explained. “While back pain can be characterized in many different ways, it can be convenient to classify it by where it shows up.”
Neck pain: “Unfortunately common, neck pain can happen for quite a few different reasons. The neck can get sore from supporting an out-of-alignment head — if you carry your head thrust forward, for example, hunch, or have ‘text neck,’ you may notice soreness and difficulty turning your neck. Arthritis can happen, or the neck can get injured. It’s also not uncommon to wake up with neck pain from unsupportive pillows, from sleeping on your stomach, or from tooth-grinding during the night, among other things.”
Upper back pain: “The upper back, or thoracic spine, can suffer from musculoskeletal pain,” Hascalovici said. “Discs can slip, strains can occur, and nerves can get pinched. Often, however, the causes of upper back pain can be traced back to being sedentary, to having relatively poor posture, or weakened, or to weakened muscles that let the spine tilt out of alignment. Upper back pain can affect the shoulders shoulders may also hurt if you’ve been putting pressure on them unevenly while sleeping.”
Advantages Of A Soft Mattress
A softer mattress is usually recommended for those who are experiencing back pain on a standard mattress, or those who have pre-existing back problems. Theyre also recommended for lighter individuals as a harder mattress can end up not compressing for them at all.
Softer mattresses are generally better for those who sleep on their side, as they better cushion the shoulders and hips. On the side, a softer mattress better aligns the spine, too.
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Contact Spine Ina Today
Neck and back pain that lasts throughout the day can cause bothersome or debilitating symptoms, including fatigue, mood changes, chronic soreness, trouble concentrating and more. Regularly monitor and adjust your sleeping arrangements as your lifestyle changes to maintain your spinal health and alignment.
Replace your mattress as it ages or becomes incompatible with your specific body needs, and invest in one made from high-quality, comfortable materials that support and comfort your frame. Choose pillows to accommodate your sleeping position, weight and personal preferences.
Reach out to a professional to schedule an appointment and get relief for your neck and back pain. At the Spine INA, our board-certified specialists will work alongside you to determine whats causing your pain, provide education for avoiding future soreness and assist with condition-specific treatment to alleviate your symptoms and correct misalignment.
Sleep is a critical part of living a long, happy and healthy life dont settle for an uncomfortable bed and morning soreness. Relieve your pain and revive your life by scheduling an appointment with one of our professionals today.
Signs Your Mattress Is Causing Back Pain
Dr. Jacob Hascalovici, chief medical officer of the telehealth chronic pain platform Clearing, gave us insight into the consequences of a bad mattress, and the signs to look out for.
“If you’re frequently waking up with a crick in the neck, back pain, stiff joints, experiencing mental fogginess, and having trouble falling asleep can all be signs of a mattress that is hurting your back,” Hascalovici said. “A bad mattress can mean a bad night’s sleep. It can also add up to more pain, both in your back and in other muscles and joints that are forced out of alignment or have to compensate for a lack of support.”
That’s why it’s so important to sleep on an accommodating mattress. “Over time, pain and lost sleep can lead to memory problems, lack of concentration, mood swings, lowered immunity, and even weight gain and a higher risk of heart trouble,” Hascalovici said. “Getting a good night’s sleep is vital for multiple areas of your mind and body, so it’s worth prioritizing.”
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What Is The Best Type Of Mattress For Back Pain
When it comes to back pain, mattress type is less important than mattress firmness. Likewise, the number of foam layers or support coils wont matter as much as how the mattress feels. And if you have back pain, studies show that a mattress that feels medium-firm is the best type of mattress for you. According to one expert we spoke with, thats because a bed labeled medium-firm is likely to support your spines natural curves whether youre a side-sleeper, a back-sleeper, or a stomach-sleeper. Whether youre trying a mattress in a store or testing one you purchased online, ask yourself these questions to get a better idea of how comfortable it really is.
Are You Rolling Towards The Center Of Your Mattress
A good mattress provides adequate support. An old, soft mattress may not support you as you sleep. You might even feel like youre rolling towards the center of the bed or sleeping in a hollow space. Theres a very good chance youll wake up feeling achy, too. If this sounds familiar, please invest in a new mattress for the sake of your health.
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What To Consider When Buying The Best Mattress For Back Pain
Shopping for the best mattress for back pain that fits your needs isn’t always easy. People with back pain especially have to be considerate of their new bed purchase because they don’t want it to contribute to even more aches. Here are the key things to look out for when searching for a bed to help with back pain relief.
When you’re shopping for the best mattress for back pain, it’s important to find a firmness level that accommodates your sleeping position.
Firmness level: As our medical experts have said, the best beds for back pain seem to be in the medium-firm range you want a mattress that’s neither too firm or too soft. A medium-firm mattress mostly offers great support, but it’s not too firm where it loses its pressure-relieving abilities. At the same time, it’s important to consider your sleeping position to properly accommodate your needs.
Sleeping position: Medium-firm mattresses will be perfectly suitable for many people with back pain including back, stomach and combination sleepers. However, the key is to have a mattress that keeps your spine in a straight alignment with your neck and head. As such, side sleepers with back pain may want a slightly softer mattress that gives underneath the curves of your shoulders and hips. A medium mattress is best for petite and side sleepers because you get more pressure relief without compromising support.
Drawbacks Of A Soft Mattress
Though they can seem more comfortable and luxurious, a soft mattress can actually cause back problems for back and stomach sleepers, and those of a heavier weight.
Soft mattresses can also be problematic for bed sharers. The heavier partner may sink further in, making the sleep surface unbalanced. Finding a firmness that suits both parties can be tricky.
In some cases, soft mattresses may be less long lasting than firm. All types of mattress tend to become softer over time, so starting from an already soft baseline can lead mattresses to become unusable after a shorter amount of time, though there are still many models that have excellent durability, even with a softer feel.
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What Types Of Mattress Does Tempur
Tempur-Pedic is a leading manufacturer of memory foam mattresses. The company offers a wide range of mattress types to suit different needs and preferences. Tempur-Pedic mattresses are available in a variety of firmness levels, from soft to extra-firm. The company also offers a range of speciality mattresses, including those designed for people with back pain and those designed for couples.
Layers Of Memory Foam Provide Cushioning And Pressure Relief
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Very firm | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 15 years
Helix offers mattresses that are tailor-built to your needs. You answer a short questionnaire, and the company will recommend the perfect mattress for you. That being said, the Helix Twilight is a top choice for back pain. It offers a firm feel with no sink or give, but its not so hard that you feel like youre sleeping on a rock. The mattress has a specialized foam layer to help cushion your pressure points, especially when youre sleeping on your side, along with a polyfoam transition layer for added support.
Use code FORBES100 to receive $100 off when you spend $600 or more code FORBES150 to receive $150 off when you spend $1,250 or more or code FORBES200 to receive $200 off when you spend $1,750 or more. Plus, score two free Dream Pillows with your purchase.
What the editors say: Although our updates editor sleeps on a different Helix model , she says she strongly recommends this brand. The quality is great, the prices are affordable and theres a model for everyone, she says, adding, Theres a reason that Helix is in most of our mattress lists.
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Consider Your Pillow If You Are Experiencing Back Pain
Back pain is a common problem that can interfere with your daily activities. While there are many potential causes of back pain, one often overlooked factor is your pillow.
If you are experiencing chronic back pain, it may be time to consider switching to a pillow that better supports your spine.
A good pillow should support your neck and head while cushioning your pressure points.
It should also be adjustable to find the perfect level of support, regardless of your sleeping position.
Its worth finding a pillow that will help you get a good nights sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.
Is It Better To Have A Firm Mattress For Back Pain
Very firm mattresses were often recommended for back pain in the past, but based on feedback from sleepers, a mattress that’s too firm can disrupt sleep and contribute to back pain. On the other hand, mattresses that are too soft also contribute to poor sleep quality and back pain, by throwing your spine out of alignment and putting too much pressure on your joints.
In general, the best mattress for back pain is one that’s rated medium to medium-firm, but it also depends on how you sleep. For example, side sleepers need a mattress that’s softer than back sleepers who generally need a firmer mattress, so the right mattress depends on your existing sleep habits.
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Is A Firm Mattress Better For Your Back
A firm mattress also keeps your lower back from collapsing, which could allow for more oxygen intake while sleeping. … Firm mattresses are generally better for those who sleep on their back, because they provide a more stable and even surface. Stomach sleepers tend to fare better on a firmer mattress, too.
Warning Signs Your Mattress Is Causing Back Pain
Sleeping on the wrong mattress can actually cause or worsen back pain. Read on to know how your mattress impacts your back health.
Can a mattress cause back pain? Yes, a wrong one can. Our mattress plays a big role in enhancing our sleep quality and controlling the way we feel every morning after waking up. Continuously sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause the spine to lose its natural alignment and strain the muscles resulting in back pain. On the other hand, a supportive mattress can help your spine maintain a neutral position and prevent back soreness. People who fail to understand the delicate science behind choosing the right sleep surface as per their sleeping habits are more likely to develop not just chronic back pain but neck stiffness and shoulder aches.
Lower back pain is not only the leading cause of disability worldwide but in India alone, nearly 60% of Indians suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lives. The exact cause of back pain is tricky to diagnose in cases there hasnt been a recent sudden stress or strain due to a pulled muscle or tendon. So how to tell if your bed is causing back pain? How to be sure that your mattress is the main culprit behind your back problems?
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