Do You Have Back Pain? Your Mattress Could Be The Cause

Back pain is horrible, it’s a fact of life. But, it doesn’t have to be. There are many reasons why one would suffer from back pain, but it’s hard to tell if your bed is the culprit. We can help you with that! Lets not forget that you sleep over a third of your life away on a mattress. If you got back pain, and it wasn’t due to injury, then consider the bed in your room.

In this article, we’ll discuss the following:

• How to tell if your bed is causing back pain
• The right mattress for your back
• How to prevent back pain

Please consult your doctor or chiropractor for back pain you’re currently experiencing. We are not licensed medical providers.

How to tell if your bed is causing back pain

Here is a list compiled from researchers detailing the most common cause for back pain.

1. When was the last time you bought your mattress? Has it been 7 or more years ago? If that’s the case, then your mattress is nearing the end of its lifespan. As sad as that may sound, your back doesn’t care! You’ll be needing a new mattress soon Consult your warranty to check its lifespan.
2. If you’re feeling aches and pains straight out of bed, then that could be a clue. If you can sooth your afflicted back muscles within a short time from waking up, then it’s a good sign that it might not be your mattress.
3. You can’t find that perfect comfy spot, so you’ll toss and turn until dawn. It might be stress or some other reason, but if you continue without some respite, then it’ll only get worse. Consider your mattress at this point.
4. A cheap mattress won’t last long in the bedroom. If you bought yourself a cheap mattress then odds are it’s causing you some back aches. Most mattresses at that price are temporary and generally meant for guest rooms.

How it happens

Your mattress might be the biggest contributor to your back aches, but poor posture also plays a role in that. How so, you may ask? Awkward positions at night will cause them to be sore in the morning. Combine that with an uncomfortable mattress! It’s no wonder why 80% of people will have back pain at some point in their life.

Quality sleep is achieved when a person has obtained neutral alignment on their bed. Neutral alignment means your spine is (mostly) straight, which is proper anatomical position for the human body. When you have a straight spine, your body’s pressure points are relieved. In the diagram below, you’ll notice where your pressure points are located.

If your head, shoulders, hips, and feet are not supported properly, you will experience back pain. Your mattress must accommodate your pressure points in order prevent those aches in the morning. It needs to be comfortable. Notice in the next diagram the proper sleeping positions that promote a healthy back If your mattress is too firm, you won’t get the proper support you need. If it’s too soft, you’ll sink and run into the same problem. Its a matter of balance and preference. Consider the balance first, then move to what you prefer next.

The right mattress for your back

The most logical would be to replace your mattress entirely, but that might not always be an option. Not everyone has the financial means to buy a mattress right off the bat. Before you start looking, you need to first consider the state of your old mattress. In the long run, it might save you money. At the very least, it can give you time to save up for a new mattress that’s right for you.

How to prevent back pain

Whether you have a new or old mattress, it’s a good idea to help prevent back pain both in and out of bed.

In bed

It’s a common myth that plenty of bed rest can ease back aches, but too much of it can make it worse. Resting your back is essential to pain relief, but lying in bed for too long will aggravate your back muscles. Your muscles need to move and stay flexible. This will also help with blood circulation, which will prevent cramping and keep you loose.

When it actually comes to sleeping, there are a few things you can try to help prevent back pain. If you’re back sleeper, then you know the benefits of having your back aligned for most of the night.

We recommend sleeping on your back to encourage neutral (spinal) alignment. This will distribute your weight across your mattress and relieve your pressure points. Putting something underneath your legs (like a pillow) will help keep the natural arch of your back, too.

We also recommend sleeping on your side to prevent back pain. But, if you currently have back pain, this can help you get rid of it. Sleeping on your side with a pillow tucked between your legs supports your hips and lower back. Be sure to raise your knees towards your chest, but not too much, otherwise you’ll lose spinal alignment.

Out of bed

If you’re having back pain, try stretching your back before and after bed time. Stretching will help relieve current back aches by releasing tension and encouraging flexibility. For an in-depth look into back stretches, Since you’re doing stretches for your back, you might as well prepare yourself to exercise. According to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, exercise can prevent back pain. The study concluded that any long-term exercise helped ease back pain and prevented it from returning. In other words, stay active!

Get rid of back pain

So you’ve read how back pain could be caused by your mattress, what to do about it, and extra steps to help prevent it altogether. We hope this article has helped you. Back pain is horrible, it’s a fact of life. Don’t let it be a fact in your life. You deserve a good night’s rest on a comfortable mattress. Take the necessary steps with Teds Beds today. Our sleep consultants can help you find the best mattress for you so you can start sleeping soundly