How Can Your Mattress Affect Back Pain
The lower back has more curvature and range of motion than the rest of your back, which makes it more susceptible to injury from incorrect alignment. If a mattress offers insufficient support, your lower back may twist or bend in an unnatural way. If the bed is too soft or dips in the middle, your hips may sink deeply into the mattress and out of alignment with your lumbar area. Conversely, if the mattress is too firm, your hips may sit too high. Respected medical journal The Lancet has published a study finding that moderately firm or medium mattresses provide the best support with contouring for your impact points, and help relieve and prevent lower back pain.
The Back Pain Location
Back pain could manifest throughout your entire back area, regardless of whether its lower, mid or upper. However, its also true that lower back pain is the most commonly encountered issue, mainly because its the most pressurized area, carrying the load of your entire upper body.
This is why the vast majority of people tend to experience this type of back pain. One of the most common causes for it is improper spine alignment during your sleeping hours. And, of course, this is always caused by an uncomfortable and inappropriate mattress. Choosing a nice mattress topper will quickly rectify this issue.
There are three primary materials that you ought to be looking into when choosing your pad. Memory foam, gel, and latex are all great options with the latter being the most multi-functional.
Those of you who experience lower back pain should consider sleeping on their back or front instead of on their side as this would provide proper spine alignment. And, when it comes to it, a medium firm mattress topper could easily do you most good. They also come with an array of added benefits, including a convenient heat distribution and retention, allowing for a more comfortable sleep throughout the night in general.
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Indications For When To See A Spine Surgeon For Low Back Pain
Low back surgery is only capable of correcting anatomical conditions that result in either spinal instability or nerve pinching. If either of these problems is present on an imaging study and the patients symptoms fit with the clinical and radiographic picture, then spine surgery may be indicated. If there is no identifiable anatomic cause of a patients low back pain , then back surgery is not an option. If non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate a patients pain, this is not in and of itself an indication for having spine surgery. There must also be an anatomical lesion that can be identified as the cause of the patients low back pain.
See Surgery for Lower Back Pain
The decision on whether or not to undergo back surgery for low back pain is almost always the patients decision. Only in rare instances such as cauda equina syndrome or an abdominal aortic aneurysm is immediate medical attention required. The spine surgeon should be able to give the patient enough information about the pros and cons of the procedure to assist the patient with his or her decision making process. A spine surgeon who be either an orthopedic spine surgeon or a neurosurgeon that specializes in spine surgery.
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Should I Invest In A Mattress Topper
Mattress toppers can be helpful if youre trying to make slight adjustments to your bed. If its too firm, for example, you might want to buy an egg-crate style topper to soften things up. There are even toppers that boast a firmer surface, so if the bed you bought is too soft, you might be able to add some firmness to it.
Our only cautionary here is to avoid buying a mattress topper to help save a sagging bed thats beyond its useful life. While this tactic can be smart for young people on a tight budget who need to extend the life of their bed by a couple of years, its not a recommended course of action for people with brittle bones.
Dont compromise on your comfort or health by suffering with a mattress thats sagging and unsupportive. Nowadays, you can get a top-quality new mattress for less than what you think.
Read Our Full Guide:Highest Rated Mattress Topper
Another Organic Option Thats Ideal For Back Sleepers
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: 10 years full, 25 years limited
Many of todays mattresses are made from memory foam, which typically contains synthetic chemicals. If youre looking for something a bit more eco-friendly, consider the Avocado Green Mattress. Its constructed of organic ingredients, including a layer of organic latex sitting on top of more than 1,000 pocketed support coils. The mattress has a gentle-yet-firm feel and five distinct ergonomic zones that adapt to your pressure points and provide relief where you need it. The thoughtful construction also helps reduce motion transfer and distributes weight more evenly so the mattress can contour to your bodys natural shape. Its best for back and stomach sleepers.
What the reviews say: The organic, natural materials are perhaps what separates this bed from others its the amazingly comfortable and superior support that I think tops my list, says one happy review. Over the last six months, Ive now purchased three .
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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.
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Why Go To An Orthopedic Doctor
There are a variety of medical doctors who treat specific sets of conditions. Because it is impossible for one physician to treat all types of conditions and injuries that affect the human body, doctors specialize in subfields of medicine. Through this specialization, a physician becomes an expert in a distinct subfield of medicine and can diagnose, treat, and prevent issues within that subfield. One such field is orthopedics.
An orthopedic physician is an expert on the musculoskeletal system . Because back pain is most often caused by injury or damage to one of these components in the back, orthopedic physicians are often referred to for diagnosis and treatment.
Using advanced education and training, orthopedic physicians can pinpoint the exact cause of the back pain. Back pain can be caused by a variety of reasons, including a fracture, herniated disc, muscle strain, or damage to connective tissue. Orthopedic doctors can correctly diagnose the exact cause of the back pain and recommend effective treatment for it.
Orthopedic physicians have access to state-of-the-art and advanced medical technology and treatments that are proven to be effective for musculoskeletal issues. Because of this, when a patient has back pain, orthopedic physicians can offer treatments that will give fast and effective results. Using various methods for pain reduction, which include injections, medication, and physical therapy, orthopedic physicians can offer long-term relief from back pain.
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Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers and seniors.
Seniors who experience back pain are going to need a balance of comfort and support. Their bed should have a bit of plushness, but they wont want to sink too far into it. They may find what theyre looking for in the hybrid construction of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. The mattress provides some softness in the top comfort layers while also giving elderly sleepers a slight lift from a 6 support layer of individually wrapped ascension coils.
What Is The Best Type Of Mattress For Side
Most side-sleepers do well with a medium-soft to medium mattress, which should provide enough cushiness to relieve pressure on their hips and shoulders but enough support to keep their spinal alignment in check. People with back pain, however, ideally need a mattress that feels medium-firm, which is likelier to ease their aches and pains than a softer bed. We do suggest some slightly firmer mattresses for side-sleepers who require more support, and we think one of them will hit the sweet spot for back-pain sufferers who regularly sleep in that position.
If youre a side-sleeper with back pain, start by considering the Saatva Classic or Leesa Sapira Hybrid. These mattresses are still medium-firm, but weve found that theyre relatively plusher than the others, especially after a break-in period. If youre not sure about your firmness preferences, the flippable Zenhaven gives you two options to choose from, with one side slightly more pliable than the other. Finally, although the Tempur-Adapt Medium Hybrid feels firm, it also has a uniquely contouring memory-foam sink, and it should adequately cushion shoulders and hips for side-sleepers, too. Keep in mind that firmness level is subjective, so we strongly suggest trying the mattress before you buy, if you can, or paying close attention to the trial window so you can return the mattress if it doesnt feel right.
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Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Best Affordable Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is Brooklyn Beddingswell, signature model! This hybrid mattress comes in three different firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. The Signature Hybrid is made with foam and coils, as well as a quilted top that offers a cozy feel and additional pressure relief.
When Should I Get A New Mattress
Most mattresses will require replacing after around 7 years.
A worn mattress may not provide adequate support and may be sunken or worn. This may contribute to back pain. If a person has an old mattress, they may wish to try a new one. Sleep trials allow consumers to test a mattress for a period before committing to a purchase.
one-third of their lives either sleeping or trying to fall asleep. People with back pain may experience difficulty falling asleep because they cannot get comfortable.
Choosing a mattress to suit an individuals needs and preferences may help alleviate back pain and improve sleep quality.
An individual should consider the type of back pain they are experiencing and their preferred sleep position before choosing the mattress that will work best for them.
2 sourcescollapsed
- Caggiari, G., et al. . What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature.
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Is A Firm Mattress Better For Back Pain
Many people will tell you that you need a firm mattress to stop back pain, but thats not necessarily true. A mattress thats too firm can also cause spine misalignment by pushing up the shoulders and hips. Instead, look for a medium-firm mattress that offers some cushioning for these key pressure points. Ultimately, it comes down to your comfort level, so be sure to choose a mattress brand that offers a generous trial period in case you choose to exchange or return your purchase.
Here Are 19 Mattress Recommendations For Those Who Deal With Back Pain Straight From Sleep And Spine Experts
- Hundreds of wrapped coils cradle the body
- Foam layers provide pressure relief
- Quiz finds the best mattress for you
Helix makes several mattresses, each designed to best match your sleeping style and preferences. You can take a quiz to find the best mattress for you, but several reviews claim the Helix Dusk is the best option for back pain.
Details: The Helix mattress is designed with several foam layers in different densities to provide pressure relief, while allowing the mattress to contour to the body. The Helix Dusk is medium firmnot too plush or too rigid.
Why it’s helpful for back pain: This mattress is made with hundreds of wrapped coils to cradle the body and ensure pressure relief where you most need it, whether it’s your lumbar spine or shoulders.
Review: One person who gave the Helix Dusk a five-star rating said, Bought this mattress after my friend recommended it and I love it! I use to wake up with back pain 3-4 times a week and I havent had any pain since sleeping on my Helix!”
Warranty: 10-15 years
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How To Pick A Mattress If You Have Back Pain
In the past, if you had back pain, many doctors and well-meaning friends probably directed you toward a firm mattress. As it turns out, that advice was wrong. What you really need, according to the most recent research, is a mattress that feels medium-firm to you.
The key word here is you. Firmness levels are highly subjective. Owner reviews reveal that the same mattress can feel too soft for some people and too hard for others. Apart from personal preference, such discrepancies exist because a persons weight and shape can influence the feel of a mattress. On a soft mattress, for example, my 128-pound body might feel like its floating. But for my 230-pound brother, that same mattress could feel overly firm, given that he would drop immediately to its bottom support layer.
Heres the rule: When back-pain sufferers lie on a mattress they determine to be medium-firm, that mattress is the best backache-relieving mattress for themregardless of how the company labels it or whether the mattress has support zones, reinforced layers, or any other bells and whistles that cater to a spine-focused buyer.
When back-pain sufferers lie on a mattress they determine to be medium-firm, that mattress is the best backache-relieving mattress for them.
More mattress coverage
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We like these six medium-firm mattresses best for stomach-sleepers because theyll support and cushion your midsection while still aligning your spine.
Top 10 Osteoporosis Mattresses Reviewed
Editor’s Pick
The TEMPUR-ProAdapt mattress was built with adaptability and comfort in mind, making this an excellent match for sleepers experiencing osteoporosis pain in the hips. Customers can choose from three foam options and one hybrid option. The foam models come in soft, medium, and firm variations, and the hybrid model is only available as a medium feel. The customization provides a way for shoppers to seek a mattress that closely meets the needs of their sleep position and body frame.
Each TEMPUR-ProAdapt contains proprietary foams to supply adaptability and pressure relief for optimal comfort regardless of how you sleep. While the adaptable layers respond to your position and weight, the pressure-relieving materials should melt away uncomfortable pressure buildup in the hips and other areas.
Why we love it
- Most people with osteoporosis are older, and with a free white glove delivery service, they dont have to worry about carrying their new mattress themselves.
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When Should I Replace My Mattress
A person should replace their mattress if they believe it no longer offers adequate support.
The following are some other reasons for replacing a mattress:
- The mattress shows signs of wear and tear, such as soft spots, lumps, or broken springs.
- The person is waking up feeling tired or sore.
- The individual is waking up with a partnerâs movement. This can occur because mattresses lose motion isolation as they age.
People may find that they need to replace their mattresses every decade. However, mattresses featuring certain materials, such as memory foam, may last longer than this.
How Often Should You Buy A New Mattress
How often should you buy a new mattress? Its a question we get a lot. Lets say you sleep in your bed for 8 hours a night for 365 days straight. At the end of the year, you have spent almost 3,000 hours lying on your mattress. Considering how much time you spend sleeping on your mattress, its not surprising that it wears out eventually. The harder question is how long does it take before a mattress really needs replacement?
The answer is it depends. Factors like mattress quality, the amount you sleep, sleep style, and sleeping with a partner all play a role. The National Sleep Foundation recommends changing your mattress every eight years. However, its helpful to take these other facts into consideration.
After all, you know your mattress and what kind of sleep it delivers better than anyone. But you also use your mattress every night and have grown used to its flaws and defects. Many people are sleeping on worn-out mattresses that actually hurt their sleep simply because it feels familiar.
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Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a high-end hybrid mattress that features great support, comfort, and cooling. This makes it great for lower back pain.
If you find yourself with lower back pain, then the Nolah Evolution might help you get some relief. The mattress is firmer toward the center, and this zoning makes for great lumbar support. Because its a hybrid mattress, the Nolah Evolution has foam for pressure relief and strong coils. This construction provides the extra comfort and support that those with back pain need.
