In the quest for a good night’s sleep, one often overlooked but critical factor is the mattress we choose to rest upon. For many of us, back pain can be an unwelcome companion that disrupts our daily lives and disturbs our sleep patterns. While there are various contributors to back pain, from posture to physical activity, the role of a mattress cannot be underestimated. In this article, we will delve into the relationship between mattresses and lower back pain, exploring how the right mattress can potentially alleviate discomfort and promote spinal health, while the wrong one may exacerbate existing issues.
The tough thing about lower back pain is that it is different for everyone, so there is not just one mattress that can improve the pain. Back pain can vary greatly because of sleeping habits, level of physical activity, age, occupational factors, medical conditions, and more. Experiencing back pain can significantly impact one’s mood and productivity, so it is no wonder that people are constantly looking for ways to improve their level of pain.
If you want to alleviate back pain and get better sleep, you need to find the right mattress for your spine. This can be a daunting task because of the endless options of mattresses to choose from, but with adequate help, you can find the perfect one for you.
What Factors Should You Consider When Looking For a Mattress
Your mattress should provide ample back support, similar to how a pillow keeps your neck supported. When your spine is aligned as you sleep, it allows the muscles and ligaments to rest while you are inactive. If your spine is misaligned, it puts a strain on it as you sleep and your muscles are forced to work to support the misalignment.
The best mattresses are usually a good mix between a soft and hard firmness. The medium firmness gives enough support to keep your spine aligned and adjust to your specific body curves.
It is a common thought that sleeping on a harder mattress may be better for your back than a soft mattress because of the support that a harder mattress offers. While sleeping on a hard mattress or even the floor can occasionally be good to reset your spine alignment, consistently sleeping on a hard mattress won’t make your back feel better.
On the other hand, too soft of a mattress doesn’t give your body enough support to rest your muscles as you sleep. Your challenge is to find the right balance between the two types of firmness that supports your back the best.
Do Your Research
Take Notes of Which Mattresses You Like
Most of the time, discovering what type of mattress feels best on your back takes time and effort. As you go throughout your business, if you stay at a hotel or friend’s house and find that you slept well and wake up without back pain, take note. Mattresses have model numbers that will identify what brand and model that specific mattress is, so write the number down to know how to find it later.
Learn What Support Feels Best
As you try out different mattresses, you can also take notes about the specifics of the mattress. You can see if you like mattresses more when they are memory foam or just regular. You can also try out mattresses with a box spring, or some alternatives like wood slats, a platform bed, or metal bed frames. There are many different factors that play into a good mattress for you, so make sure to try out a lot of different brands and styles to know which you like best.
Some modern mattresses have the feature of lifting either end of the mattress to adjust to your body depending on the specific day. This feature is intended to help relieve pressure on your back and keep your spine aligned. Back pain may not be the same every single day, so this can be a good option that adapts to your specific needs.
Try it Out
It can be tempting to buy a mattress from the store that feels amazing on your back for a few minutes, but it may not live up to expectations long term. Some mattress companies offer an extended trial period where you can return your mattress within a certain amount of time if you are not satisfied with your experience.
Create Ideal Environment
A better night’s sleep comes from not only a great mattress, but from your sleeping environment, as well. Back pain can come from sleeping in odd positions or tossing and turning through the night.
Just like researching mattresses, you can research what type of environment helps you get the best sleep. Some factors that can play a major role in sleep are the temperature of the room, the amount of light in the room, and the sound level.
Seek Professional Help
Learning what your preferences are when it comes to mattresses and lower back pain can be a lengthy process, but it is worth it to relieve the pain and discomfort. If you find that you continue to have lower back pain even after improving your mattress, you may consider getting a chiropractic adjustment and be treated by a professional.
