Back Pain Mattress – Who Said They Are All Created Equal?
Getting a new back pain mattress can be a costly endeavor; however, when it comes to sleeping pain free, sometimes it is a necessity. If you are faced with get
ting a new
mattress, a so called “back pain mattress” consider the following in your selection for back support, good posture, and sleeping comfort.
A good mattress should provide support while allowing for the natural curves and alignment of the spine. Proper back support from the mattress also helps prevent muscle soreness in the morning.
Are the Specialist Right About Type of Back Pain Mattress That is Recommended?
In the past, many specialists have traditionally recommended a hard or firm mattress for someone seeking a back pain mattress. Typically, a more common recommendation is to get a mattress that is medium-firm, primarily because a mattress that is too firm will cause pressure at points such as the shoulder, hip, and knees which can be uncomfortable. In fact, a recent study conducted in Spain found that a medium-firm mattress may provide better back support and help alleviate more back pain than a firm mattress. Based on the study’s findings, a medium-firm mattress provided patients a better balance between back support and comfort for their lower back pain than a firm mattress.
Another problem I have seen with back pain mattresses that are too firm is that they do not always conform to the natural curves of your spine. For example, since most of us are wider at the hips than we are at the waist, your mattress should be soft enough to fill the space between your hips and your ribs when you are lying on your side. If your mattress is too firm, it may not give you support in this area, which typically causes your low back to “sag” in order to reach the mattress. If you primarily sleep on your sides, you can see how sleeping with your spine in an awkward position throughout the night can really take a toll on the muscles and ligaments of your spine over a period of time.
Options To Buying a New Back Pain Mattress
If you currently have a firm mattress and need to soften it up a bit, consider getting a padding (or pillow topper) to put on top. The padding should be about one and a half to two inches thick. The best ones I have experimented with are made of memory foam, vs. traditional foams. I have found these really help to decrease pressure points at your hips, knees, and shoulders, while still conforming to the natural curves of your spine.
You need to make sure the mattress you are looking to buy provides adequate support. The core, whether it is water, air, coils, or foam, is where the support for your back is located. Once it begins to wear out, you are left without the support that will guarantee the proper alignment of your spine. If the core is not sufficient to maintain spinal alignment, the back can become swayed while you sleep and increase the risk of muscle strain, bulging or herniated disks.
A good so-called back pain mattress is important. When looking for a new mattress, take your time and do your research. A good back pain mattress will pay off in the long run!