What Causes Back Pain
You may experience back pain for a number of reasons, quite often there is no specific reason for the pain to occur and this type of back pain is often the result various lifestyle factors, such as:
- Poor posture when sitting at a desk or standing
- Not having the correct back support when sitting
- A pulled muscle or strain
- Sleeping on a mattress that does not provide sufficient spinal support
Mattress Guidelines For Sleep Comfort
The right mattress can help provide a good nights sleep, leading to feelings of rest and refreshment upon waking up.
Sleeping is the only time the muscles, ligaments, and other structures in the spine can completely relax. With a back injury or disorder, optimal sleep is especially important to the healing process.
This article outlines a number of useful guidelines for selecting a mattress or bedas well as recommendations for sleep positions and use of pillowsfor a number of specific back conditions.
Research points to both a significant reduction in chronic lower back pain and improvement in sleep quality from using a medium-firm mattress.1 Yet, research regarding mattress firmness is not extensive, leaving mattress firmness largely a matter of personal preference.
If a mattress is more than 5-7 years old, or if a different mattress is found to yield a better sleep experience, it is likely time to consider a replacement. Medical research studies show that participants switching from an old mattress to a new one reported a reduction in back pain and improvement in sleep quality.2
Best Mattress For Lower Back And Neck Pain
Casper Original Hybrid Mattress
- Type: hybrid
- Height: 11 inches
Caspers Original Hybrid Mattress is medium firm, with three zones of targeted support to keep your spine aligned. Softer CertiPUR-US certified foam around the shoulders cradles the upper body, while firmer foam supports the hips, waist, and lower back. A layer of springs adds support.
The mattress comes with a 100-night trial, free shipping and returns, and a 10-year limited warranty.
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Q: Is A Soft Or A Firm Mattress Better For Lower Back Pain
A: The answer might surprise you: Neither! The right firmness level allows the spine to rest in its natural “S” curve. While a too-soft mattress may not offer enough support, an overly hard mattress may also shift the spine out of alignment. Too-firm mattresses can press the pelvis too far forward while back sleeping, and place too much stress on the hips and shoulders while side sleeping. Studies show that the wisest choice is a medium-firm to firm level that balances support and comfort. Very firm or very soft mattresses can reduce your sleep quality and create more lower back pain.
A Cooling Option Thats Unlike Any Other Mattress
Purple
- Materials: Memory foam, support coils
- Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
- Trial period: 100 nights
Thanks to its patented Purple Grid, the Purple Hybrid Mattress is unlike any other on this list. It consists of five layers, and the Purple Grid gently gives under your body, hugging your pressure points and fully supporting your back while you sleep. The grid sits on top of a 7.5-inch later of responsive coils that add additional support while you sleep. Plus, there are open air channels that allow air to freely flow through, making it much cooler than memory foam-only models.
Reviewers report they could immediately feel the difference in pain levels after sleeping on the Purple mattress, saying its soft where it needs to be and supportive where it doesnt.
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Which Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain
A key step in choosing a mattress is deciding which mattress type is most likely to work for you. Virtually all mattresses on the market today can be broken into five types based on their construction and materials.
Within each category, you can find consistent features however, there can be notable variation from one brand or model to the next. Some types allow for a greater diversity of designs, which leads to a wider variation in the expected feel and performance of any specific mattress.
Which Mattress Is Best Choosing An Ideal Mattress For Spinal Fusion Patients Or Those Recovering Post Surgery
Now comes the ideal mattress for Spinal Fusion Patients or for those who recover from back surgery. They are the adjustable beds with mattresses, good oldmemory foam mattress, sleep numbers, and other hybrid mattresses that have medium-firm comfort. Even the futon mattress could work if you are comfortable with the firmness. The ideal choice of best mattress is entirely dependent on the user as the comfort level of each differs.Adjustable beds: The whole idea of resting after the spinal fusion surgery is to get the pressure off the spine. The adjustable beds can elevate the upper body slightly or as much needed. Having a pillow under the knees then would keep the spine straight and at ease. This position would be comforting to many especially those who prefer sleeping on their back. This type would come handy to those patients who prefer to sit on a reclining chair than lying down on the bed. Hence, it is termed No.1 when it comes to the ideal mattress for Spinal Fusion Patients.
Saatva Mattress is recommended by Chiropractors and doctors for back problems and post-surgery. The Saatva Classic Mattress comes with Patented Spinal Zone Technology for Optimal Spine support and back & Joint pain support. Visit the Saatva Classic Mattress page on
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Back Surgery Pros And Cons
Each type comes with its own risks and benefits.
Spinal fusion. This is the most common surgery for chronic nonspecific back pain with degenerative changes. The doctor will join spinal bones, called vertebrae, together. This limits the motion between them and how far your nerves can stretch. But it probably wonât limit your activity. Itâs rare, but the bones donât always fuse completely. Smoking can make this complication more likely. If it happens, you may need another operation to fix it.
Laminectomy. This is the most common surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. In this procedure, a surgeon removes parts of the bone, bone spurs, or ligaments in your back. This relieves pressure on spinal nerves and can ease pain or weakness, but the procedure can make your spine less stable. If that happens, youâll probably need a spinal fusion as well. Doctors sometimes do the two procedures together.
Foraminotomy. This surgery is used to relieve pain associated with a compressed nerve in the spine. The surgeon cuts away bone at the sides of your vertebrae to widen the space where nerves exit your spine. The extra room may relieve pressure on the nerves and ease your pain. Like a laminectomy, this procedure can also make your spine less stable. So the surgeon may do a spinal fusion at the same time. Thatâll increase the amount of time you need for recovery.
What Mattress Firmness Is Best For Back And Neck Pain
Research from 2015 suggests that a medium-firm, self-adjusted mattress is best for back pain. However, firmness is subjective. What feels firm to you might feel soft to someone else. Its best to try out a mattress in a store before buying it, or to choose a mattress that comes with an in-home trial period.
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Other Mattress Performance Considerations
Your specific sleeping needs can also guide you to other important features.
If you sleep with a partner, look for mattresses with good motion isolation. Foam and hybrids with pocketed coils tend to reduce motion transfer best.
Edge support is also important for couples, since you dont want a rude awakening when you find yourself pushed toward the edge of the bed.
Is Spinal Alignment The Most Important Factor
Spinal alignment is certainly important, but its not the only factor when it comes to sleeping with back pain. Pressure relief is also important for helping you reduce pain and get to sleep. However, its important to find a material that relieves pressure while still allowing movement.
If you find youre waking up stiff and sore but feel better after you get moving, you could be dealing with swelling or inflammation in the joints or muscle tissue. While this can occur in almost any type of injury, its usually a sign that the injury isnt getting motion, especially while you sleep.
When it comes to spinal injuries or misalignments, most chiropractors and physical therapists will treat the issue by aligning the spine and increasing motion to reduce inflammation and swelling. If you can move around easily when you sleep, either to reposition or rollover, your body may be able to help aid in that process.
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What Is The Right Mattress For Back Pain Issues
Did you know, the average person spends roughly a third of their life sleeping. Sleeping has numerous benefits, better health, sharper cognitive function and improved mental health. A good nights sleep is the difference between waking up with a spring in your step ready to take on the new day, instead of feeling tired and burning out half-way through your day.
Buying the right bed will be the most important investment in your life. Nothing matter more when you want a good night sleep than a high quality mattress. To unwind from a stressful day and get some quality rest, you need a strong mattress that supports your back. So, choose mattress which you like from the list of top 10 best mattress for back pain, bad back in Canada to buy in 2021.
Types of mattresses:
There are many types of mattresses which give support for your back and their classification varying depending on the material and design. Some of them are
Other types are Zoned support, polyurethane foam, premium air mattress, latex mattress.
Things to look while buying a back support mattress
Which is a mattress best for you?
The Importance Of A Great Mattress For Back Health
Alison Jones, Sleep Expert at Sealy, said: Certain sleep positions can place unnecessary pressure on the neck, spine and hips, whilst a poor quality or unsupportive mattress can cause the spine to become misaligned as well as exacerbate pre-existing joint, spine and ligament issues.
Many people dont realise the connection between back pain, their mattress and their overall health. Choosing an orthopaedically-designed mattress is essential for great back health, as theyre designed specifically to help distribute body weight more evenly and relieve pressure points.
When choosing a mattress to relieve back pain, mattresses with Core Support spring systems are engineered to offer the correct spinal alignment and deep-down support for muscles. You can also choose from a range of materials for additional comfort like Geltex and smart fibres which provide additional pressure relief and total body support, as well as breathability. Not only will this relieve day-to-day pains, getting a quality night sleep also helps cognitive brain function and improves overall mood and wellbeing.
See our pick of the best mattresses to help stop back pain below
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Best Mattress For Back Pain In 2021
Waking up with back pain? These mattresses combine comfort and support for a restful night and a pain-free morning.
Finding the best mattress is critical if you have persistent back pain. No matter what the original source of that pain is, like sitting at a desk all day or an excessive workout, sleeping on the wrong mattress will almost certainly make you feel worse if your back feels even a little off. And, of course, all ailments are made worse when you lack a good night’s rest.
If you have an overly firm mattress, it won’t properly shape to your body and that can mean less comfort, more tension and stress for pain sufferers, even with a foam topper or comfort layer. On the other hand, if you have a soft mattress that’s too saggy, it won’t offer the proper spinal alignment. When choosing the best mattress for back pain, the goal is to find one that has just the right amount of firmness, equally distributes pressure and allows your spine to maintain its natural curvature. Some people may rely on an adjustable bed for this magic combination, but achieving your desired comfort and firmness level doesn’t need to be so complicated — a new mattress can help you meet that pain relief goal and get better sleep.
John Lewis And Partners Classic Collection Ortho Support 1000
If youre looking for a quality mattress that has been made in the UK, then look no further than the John Lewis and partners Classic collection. The Ortho Support 1000 is a great extra firm mattress with 1,000 springs which will offer a good level of support as long as you are not too large or too heavy. If this is the case then you may consider purchasing the uprated version of the same mattress, which has a spring count of 1,600 so is sure to offer more support. If you weight over 18 stone though then it is likely that a mattress with a spring count of around 2,000 would be more beneficial to you.
Considering the price of this mattress, it features a number of signs of good quality. As is the norm with a quality mattress, the Ortho Support 1000 has hand side stitching. This is a much more labour-intensive way of making a mattress, and also gives you more support on the edge of the mattress e.g. when you are sitting on the bed. The mattress can also be flipped or turned, which means that it wont sag and dip as much. All of this is in addition to the tufted top, which is a much more traditional way of holding a pocket sprung mattress together and is a sure sign of quality.
Although there is no free trial period, there is a 7 year guarantee for this mattress, which is considered as pretty good in the world of mattresses.
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Your Mattress Is Important Really Important
Its impossible to overemphasize the role your mattress plays in taking care of your back and helping you get a comfortable nights sleep. If your bed doesnt provide the right level of softness, pressure relief, and support, youre in trouble. A mattress thats too firm wont accommodate the natural curve of your spine, which leads to pain. And if its too soft, it wont provide proper support for your back, also causing pain. The same goes for your pillow.
You should think of your mattress as Goldilocks would you need one thats just right. The best mattress is one that helps both chronic and acute back pain by helping you sleep with a straight and natural spinal alignment. Any bed or pillow that forces your body into unnatural positions will lead to tense muscles and pain.
Your spine has a natural, healthy shape it wants to stay in. When you stand with good posture, your spine has an S-shape when viewed from the side. Its straight up and down when looked at straight on.
The right mattress maintains your spines natural curves so you feel rejuvenated in the morning, rather than achy and sore. Youve heard lectures about how important good posture is when youre standing and sitting, but rarely will you hear the all-too-important benefits of appropriate sleep posture. JointEssential.com explains:
How Can Sleep Help Chronic Pain
Now that weve gone over my picks, I want to take a second to talk about the purpose of this guide. While it may seem like the focus is on finding a mattress thatll make falling asleep with pain easier, its actually about finding the bed thats going to help you use sleep to actively deal with said pain.
Sleep is very important for restoring balance to the nervous system and improving coping strategies for pain, Dr. Poorbaugh told me during our chat . Normally our central nervous system is downplaying or ignoring stimuli from multiple sources simply because the information is not important. A person with chronic pain, however, loses this important dampening ability, so many activities that were once well-tolerated now become pain-provoking.
Dr. Poorbaugh went on to cite a recent study, which showed that poor sleep patterns were directly related to higher rates of pain, poor mood, increased pain catastrophizing, and overall reduced physical function.
So what can be done? In order to get the kind of sleep you need to help deal with your chronic pain, consider the following when choosing the right mattress to deal with pain.
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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.
