According to the American Chiropractic Association, approximately 31 million Americans suffer from back pain. It’s a common chronic pain that haunts those who are old and even those who are young. People with back pain know how hard it is to escape the agony, which leads so many looking to their beds for relief. Unfortunately for some, the pain is exacerbated by their mattress. Do you have back pain because of the way you sleep? Would your back pain go away if you bought a new, mattress for a bad back? Today, we’re going to explore the correlation between bad backs and your mattress.
The great thing about the mattress industry is that we have countless options to choose from. Firm, memory foam, pillow top and so on – there’s a mattress type out there for every personality. That being said, since chronic back pain is so common, is there a one-size-fits-all solution for those who suffer from a bad back? In short, no, but there is a mattress that will help you personally. Our bad backs are all results of different causes, and they all need to be addressed with different tactics. Your sleeping habits and mattress could be contribute to your back pain.
Those with a bad back often toss and turn throughout the genesis hours of each night, trying to find the most bearable position that will allow your body to rest. You might think that sleeping flat on your back is the only position that can minimize your lower back pain, but those who suffer from back pain surprisingly have many position options.
1. On Your Side
Sleeping on your side is a very common position for many, especially for couples who share a bed. When you’re sleeping on your side, always be sure to put a pillow in between your legs so that your frame is as straight as possible. Without the pillow in between your legs, you might wake up in the middle of the night with lower back pain.
2. On Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach can be a nice alternative to sleeping on your side while keeping your back a bit straighter. Though, keep in mind that you should keep a pillow under your abdomen when sleeping on your stomach. This will help your spine stay aligned.
3. On Your Back
Sleeping on your back is probably the most neutral position, and it’s also the most flexible. Someone who sleeps on their back will not twist their spine left or right like someone who sleeps on their side might. This poses the least amount of risk for back-pain-provoking positions.
The two ways you could use pillows while sleeping on your back are under your knees or under your back for a reclined position. If you use a pillow under your knees, this will better distribute your body weight and alleviate the pressure from your lower back. If you sleep in a reclined position, make sure that you do not curve your spine by doing so. If you are genuinely more comfortable in a reclined position, consider investing in an adjustable bed, which would conform to the proper angle that would allow you to sleep in a healthy and comfortable position.
Regardless of position, the keep to sleeping is keeping your spine aligned. Use pillows to prop yourself up to make sure that you are straight, and your position will not provoke back pain.
The type of mattress you need completely depends on what is comfortable for you. For a lot of side sleepers, a softer mattress is more comfortable because it allows flexibility for the sleeper to keep their spine aligned. Generally speaking, soft mattresses are not proper solutions for people who suffer from back pain. Most recommend a medium or firm mattress for a bad back. Your back will benefit from the extra support. Your perfect mattress is really up to you to decide. We encourage you to try out all types of mattresses to see which type will alleviate your back pain.
Always consult with a doctor if your back pain is affecting areas of your daily life, especially sleep. Getting rest at night is such a vital part of our routine. Sleep affects how well we function throughout the day and how our body responds to what we put it through. If you are not getting ample sleep, consult with a doctor.
In the meantime, consider that distractions might be contributing to your insomnia. Our distractions can be external or internal. Sometimes, it’s a noisy upstairs neighbor or an inconsiderate neighbor keeping us up at night. In that case, trying to drown out the noise with a fan or music might help. Consider listening to smooth, soft instrumentals that will not incite your mind to wander. If your distractions are internal, find ways to calm your mind before sleeping. Don’t check social media before bed as its content might be overstimulating, which could cloud your mind. A constructive thought as simple as counting sheep while falling asleep could help focus and ease your mind.
Your back pain is certainly a valid distraction, and we want to help you overcome it. At Fred’s Beds, we offer a wide selection of brand-new mattresses at discounted prices. We don’t think purchasing a mattress should be a large investment; rather, we believe everyone deserves their perfect mattress. Our staff is welcoming you to come to our store in Cumming, Georgia, to try out our selection. You will be surprised that you can buy a high-quality, name-brand mattress in your budget.
Fred’s Beds is committed to helping you save money in your pursuit of your mattress for a bad back. Our inventory, which carries all the major brands, changes daily, so visit us today! Our hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and closed Sundays. For the best deal on a new, quality mattress, contact us at 770-628-5875 or stop by our store in Cumming. Connect with us on Facebook for more.