Consider Buying A Mattress Online
A great way to score a deal on a new mattress is to buy online. While it might seem like a strange concept if youre used to going to a brick-and-mortar store, the truth is that buying online offers some huge advantages.
Most online mattresses are sold directly by the manufacturer. Eliminating the middle-man and the need for showroom space means lower prices, and the growing competition between retail and online storefronts has only generated more deals for shoppers.
But the benefits go beyond just price. Shopping online is convenient, allowing you to browse options from the comfort of your own home and without any salespeople eagerly pushing a sale to earn a commission. Having the time to research each mattress and compare it to others is a major contrast to the brick-and-mortar experience where youre limited to just whats available in that store.
When buying online you dont have the ability to feel out a mattress before purchasing, but almost all online retailers provide a sleep trial with no-hassle returns, offering you a full refund if you try out the mattress and dont like it. This gives you a no-risk opportunity to try out a mattress for weeks or months in your own bedroom as opposed to for just a few minutes in a store. Over the longer-term, virtually all online mattresses come with a warranty of at least 10 years to protect against future problems, which are rare in mattresses sold both online and in-store.
Food & Inflammation: Eat The Right Foods To Help With Back Pain
At Branko PRPA M.D. we employ a wide range of techniques to help our patients with back pain live more fulfilling, healthier lives. We can often help with surgical methods, but there are also other ways to reduce inflammation and fight back against chronic pain. For example, it might surprise you to learn that inflammatory foods exist. Eating these can make your back pain worse, but fortunately, there are also some foods that can help you feel better.
Improve Your Posture To Reduce Back Pain
Most of us spend a good part of our day sitting down, which may be more harmful than you realize. You can minimize the impact by maintaining good posture. Correct posture in a chair means having all the bones in your spine lined up neatly, like a stack of perfectly aligned blocks. You should keep your feet flat on the floor and your computer keyboard within easy reach so youre not leaning forward or slumping. This is part of proper office ergonomics.
Many apps and devices exist that can help you enhance your posture. If you work at a computer all day, try the software and app Posture Man Pat. This free app interacts with the webcam on your screen, tracking where your face is relative to your screen. If your posture starts to droop and curve, the app will alert you.
If you are looking to get really tech-savvy, try the Lumo Lift Posture Coach. This wearable device has a sensor that will vibrate when you change your posture from what the posture coach is calibrated to.
The Ultimate Deskercise Stretch Routine »
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Ways To Relieve Back Pain Naturally
There are a wide variety of natural remedies to soothe your back, which can help reduce the intake of medications or provide an added benefit to your existing medical treatment.
Take a look at these natural pain-relieving strategies and find out what works best for you:
Read on to learn more about effective pain-relieving strategies for chronic back pain from natural methods.
What Is A Recliner
A recliner is an armchair that tilts back. It can be operated with a remote, a lever, button, or a shaft with a knob.
The footrest can also be extended or lifted up, just like the backrest. Some recliners also double as rocking chairs, while others sport various massage functions or built-in programs.
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Best Gaming Chair: Killabee Massage Gaming Chair
If you’re planning for hours-long gaming sessions after work, invest in this ergonomic Killabee Massage Gaming Chair. It boasts an array of features for customizable comfort: a retractable padded footrest, a 90 to 175-degree angle-adjustable backrest, and 360-degree swivel wheels. For ergonomics, this chair offers a massage lumbar cushion, thick armrests, and a high backrest that helps support your back. Even more, the cushion has a USB-powered massager built-in for extra comfort. The sturdy, PU-leather gaming chair measures 27.6 x 27.1 x 48.4 inches and has a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds.
Recliners With Separate Ottomans
If you cant find a good position in recliners with incorporated footrests or neck rests because of your body type, separate ottomans can be placed anywhere to accommodate your needs.
I dont particularly like this sort of model because of the extra adjustments needed, but I agree most such recliners look good and offer good lumbar support for people with mild back pain.
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Common Causes Of Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back painis usually age-related, but can also result from a prior injury. The mostcommon causes include:
- Arthritis of the spine the gradual thinning of the cartilage inside the spine
- Spinal stenosis narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve pain
- Disc problems, such as a herniated or bulging disc
- Myofascial pain syndromeunexplained muscle pain and tenderness
In some cases, its difficult to pinpoint the cause of chronic back pain.If your doctor has exhausted all diagnostic options, its time to seek asecond opinion from a back pain specialist, recommends Nava. Itsimportant not to make rushed decisions or undergo extensive medicalprocedures until the origin of the pain is found. Not only may they nothelp they could make the pain worse, warns Nava.
If the source of the pain is not known or cant be treated, your bestoption may be to work with your doctor on reducing the flare-ups and makingthe pain manageable with nonsurgical treatments.
Physical Therapy As Treatment For Lower Back Pain
Low back pain is the most common diagnosis seen in many physical therapy clinics, and it affects nearly 85-90% of Americans at one time or another. It is the second leading cause of visits to a doctor, after the common cold. Low back pain is also the leading cause of lost time at work, and billions of dollars are spent each year diagnosing and treating low back pain.
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Hot Or Cold Therapy For Low Back Pain
Hot or cold packs may help ease pain and reduce symptoms. The soothing relief from heat, or the dulling relief from a cold pack, is only temporary and will not treat more serious causes of back pain. However, they may provide greater mobility for people with acute, subacute, or chronic pain, allowing them to get up and get moving.
When To See A Doctor
People can often treat back pain with home remedies and some patience. However, a person should speak to a doctor about chronic or severe back pain.
A doctor may recommend physical therapy, medication, or other treatments. People who have existing health conditions or who take regular medications should speak to a doctor before trying any herbs or supplements.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration do not monitor supplements for purity or quality, so it is essential to research reputable companies first.
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Chronic Conditions That Cause Back Pain
Conditions that can lead to chronic low back pain include spinal stenosis, spondylitis, and fibromyalgia. Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the normal spinal canal through which the spinal cord passes. Spondylitis is chronic inflammation of the spine. Fibromyalgia is a muscle disorder that features chronic muscle pain and tenderness.
Treating Lower Back Pain: How Much Bed Rest Is Too Much
Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people visit a health care provider. The good news is that the pain often goes away on its own, and people usually recover in a week or two. Many people want to stay in bed when their back hurts. For many years, getting bed rest was the normal advice. But current studies recommend no bed rest at all and stress that staying in bed longer than 48 hours not only wont help but it may, in fact, actually delay your recovery. Heres why:
Staying in bed wont help you get better faster.If youre in terrible pain, lying down for a day to help ease the distress may seem like a good idea, but moderating your activities and staying active in a limited way is a more effective way to control your symptoms. Research suggests that if you can find comfortable positions and keep moving, you may not need bed rest at all.Research shows that:
- Lying down longer than a day or two day isnt helpful for relieving back pain.
- People can recover more quickly without any bed rest.
- The sooner you start moving, even a little bit, or return to activities such as walking, the faster you are likely to improve.
Who needs bed rest?Almost no one! The only people who might require time in bed are those with unstable spinal fractures awaiting surgery.
When should I see a health care provider?You should see your health care provider right away if:
- Heat or ice
- Ultrasound
- Manipulation
Check with your health care provider before starting an exercise program.
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How Back Pain Affects Sleep
Related Reading
Back pain is a widespread problem that affects an estimated 80% of adults at one time or another. It can make all types of daily activities difficult including walking, working, sitting, and lifting even lightweight items. Unfortunately, back pain complicates sleep as well, making it hard to find a comfortable position to fall asleep and keep sleeping soundly through the night.
Research studies have found that over half of people with lower back pain report sleeping problems. These negative impacts on sleep arise in people who have both sudden and short-term back pain and those who have long-term, persistent back pain.
People with pain tend to have fragmented sleep that occurs from waking up during the night. Upon waking up, getting back to sleep can be difficult because of ongoing aches and discomfort. Pain can also contribute to stress, depression, and anxiety, all of which can be detrimental to quality sleep.
Back pain sufferers can take a number of steps to try to feel and sleep better. Getting medical help for serious back problems may help reduce pain. Treatments depend on the cause and nature of a persons symptoms and can range from surgery to physical therapy to pain-relieving medications.
How They Work To Provide Support And Aid Posture
Back supports unload weight from the back and transfers it to the abdomen, reducing the load on spinal structures. The decreased pressure reduces muscle tension, a protective reaction to back injury and trauma, and the pain that usually accompanies it.
Back braces also provide proprioceptive input, encouraging people to correct their postures and use proper body mechanics. One study suggests that wearing a brace for 3 weeks may improve a persons proprioception, though this research was only over a 3-week period, and the participants did not have back pain.
Most people will not need to wear a back brace and should only do so under guidance from their doctor.
Wearing a back brace can discourage a person from using their core muscles to support their body.
Healthcare professionals usually recommend braces for short-term use. Prolonged use may lead to dependence on the device, which may result in muscle weakness and atrophy.
A 2019 randomized controlled trial found that back brace use had no effect on back muscle thickness over a 4-week period. However, it did not examine the long-term effects of wearing them.
Ultimately, wearing a back brace that is not suitable for a persons needs may only cause further pain and injury.
It is best to follow recommendations from a doctor or a physical therapist when choosing a style, material, and type of back brace.
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What Type Of Mattress Is Best For People With Low Back Pain
Back pain is one of the top reasons that people begin to lose mobility in middle age. Pain can keep people from engaging in physical activity, making it more difficult for them to maintain a healthy weight and keep up their strength, stamina, and balance as they age. So treating and managing back pain that results from injuries or health problems is crucial for staying on the path of a healthy and active life.
Considering that most people spend roughly a third of their lives lying in bed, choosing the right mattress is essential for managing low back pain. It can make the difference in whether you can sleep at night and function the next day.
In the past, doctors often recommended very firm mattresses. But one survey of 268 people with low back pain found that those who slept on very hard mattresses had the poorest sleep quality. There was no difference in sleep quality between those who used medium-firm and firm mattresses.
Soft mattresses, on the other hand, can also be problematic. While a soft mattress that conforms to your body’s natural curves may help the joints align favorably, you might also sink in so deeply that your joints twist and become painful during the night.
If you want to find out whether a firmer mattress would feel better than the one you’re currently using, try putting a plywood board under your mattress to dampen the movement from the bedsprings, or try placing your mattress on the floor.
Can A Mattress Cause Back Pain
A mattress can definitely be a cause of back pain because it plays such an important role in how the body is positioned through the night. Most people know that posture is important but only think about their posture in the context of standing and sitting. This can cause them to overlook the importance of having a mattress that is the proper fit for them based on their body shape, weight, and sleeping position.
If the spine and joints arent aligned and well-cushioned during sleep, they wont be able to relax. Instead of recovering, the body will be strained, exacerbating pre-existing back issues and sowing the seeds for new ones. The easiest way to know whether a mattress is a contributing factor to back pain is if the pain tends to be the most pronounced in the morning when you wake up. If the pain is the worst when you get out of bed and subsides during the day, theres a good chance that your mattress is playing a part in your aches and pains.
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Why We Get Back Problems
About 80% of sleepers are likely to come across some type of lower back pain throughout their lifetime. Of course, it goes without saying that not everyone is actually affected in the same way by these issues.
However, this doesnt mean that you should stay uninformed about them. Some have the potential to get worse over time.
There are two types of back pain that are commonly observed: Acute pain that lasts for less than about six weeks and chronic pain which is less frequent but longer lasting. This is according to the reputable Mayo Clinic. The breakdown is followed by serious research and studies carried over periods of time and a lot of back pain sufferers.
With this in mind, there are also different causes for back pain . Here are a few common ones and some tips on how to prevent them.
Major Types Of Recliners
If you have been thinking about buying the Best Recliner for Back Pain 2021, then it is essential to, first of all, learn about some basic types of recliners. Recliners are divided into different main types, as mentioned below:
Now lets talk about one of these recliners, one by one in detail:
1) Massaging Recliners
The massaging Recliner for Back Pain is the one that is usually working on the piston used. It can work with the help of the second person.
These recliners can work through the use of motor access so you can quickly move the recliner in the forward and backward massaging direction according to your suitability level and requirements.
This recliner is one of the most popular and commonly used recliners for people who are suffering from back pain issues. It makes the use of a lever to release upon either the backrest or even the footrest positioning.
2) Zero Gravity Recliners
These recliners are one of the most comfortable recliners to use right now and will help you to treat your back pain issues much quicker.
You need to locate the knees in the slightly above direction that needs to be above the level of the heart. This chair will be supporting your bodyweight much correctly, where it might be helping the massage function as well.
3) Lifting Recliners
This comfortable recliner for back pain is best for older age groups of people who are fighting against back pain or the issues of arthritis.
4) Classic Recliners
Final Words
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When Shouldnt You Try Yoga For Back Pain
You shouldn’t try yoga if your symptoms are worsening – theyve gone from being local back pain to radiating into your buttock or leg, or if youve developed pins and needles or numbness in one or both legs.
If general exercise or specific yoga poses are painful then you need to ease back, stop those particular poses and review what you are doing exercise-wise.
For all of these precautions, seeking medical advice is a good option anyway in the first instance, and as to whether yoga might be helpful.
There are, however, some red flag symptoms that you should seek immediate medical attention for:
- If you lose control of your bladder or bowel
- If you develop numbness down below in your saddle area
- If you are getting significant symptoms with a cough, sneeze or strain on the toilet
- If you develop a lack of coordination of your legs when trying to move around
