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Is Your Mattress Causing You Back Pain?

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Is Your Mattress Causing You Back Pain?

Often, we ignore an occasional ache and pain when we’ve been active in physical sports or other activities that could be responsible. If it’s an ongoing problem and there is no other explanation for a morning backache, your mattress could be to blame [1]. 

It’s more common than you think

Even if your mattress has been a comfortable place to rest for years, these sleeping spaces change their shape over the years. The materials of even high-quality mattresses begin to wear over time and the changes in the integrity of the materials can certainly lead to aches and pains in the morning.

A chiropractor knows best

The spokesman for the American Chiropractic Association is Dr. Robert Hayden of Atlanta. He suggests that a repeated pattern of back pain in the morning is a strong indication that your mattress may be the source of your pain. This is the most common explanation for sudden back pain that is recurring when all other possible causes have been ruled out by your physician.

How can you tell if a mattress is the problem?

One of the best ways to determine if your mattress is the culprit is to do a few light stretching exercises to limber the muscles in your back and in the area that the pain is coming from. If the pain is gone within a half-hour then it’s a sign that your mattress may be the cause. Another sign is tossing and turning at night. If you don’t remember, a good way to tell is if the covers on your bed are disheveled. If you wake up with the covers on the floor or around your neck, then you’ve had a restless night.

Do you have a new mattress? 

If your back pain started shortly after sleeping on a new mattress, you may have bought one that isn’t the right degree of firmness or softness to meet your sleeping requirements. People are all individuals and we all sleep in different positions that we find comfortable. Some people prefer a hard mattress while others need a soft one. There are several different degrees of firmness and when a mattress is too firm, it can push on pressure points in your body as you sleep, causing stiffness and soreness when you wake up [2].

When to replace your mattress 

We all know that buying a good quality mattress is an investment, so it’s not something that people usually do until they are forced to. Mattresses should be replaced at least every eight years. If your mattress is aging or if it is beginning to sag or change from its original shape, then it’s time for a replacement because your well-being may depend upon it.

How to choose the right mattress 

Ideally, the best way to choose the best mattress is to test it out first. There are retailers that will allow you to push on the mattress with your hands and some will even allow you to sit on it or even lie on it and stretch out. The perfect mattress to prevent backaches is the one that feels good on your back and gives you a nearly floating sensation. The new mattress should support your entire body and it must allow for the proper alignment of your spine. Look for a mattress that doesn’t press on your main spinal pressure points, but make sure it isn’t too soft to provide your back and neck with support [3].

What to do if your mattress is the problem

Replace the mattress as soon as you can with one that is suitable for your firmness needs. If you can’t afford to replace it right away, you may want to consider purchasing a bed topper in a firmness that better meets your needs. You may also want to consider visiting a chiropractor, explaining the situation and getting an examination to see if you need to have a spinal adjustment. These often help to relieve mattress induced back pain.

Final thoughts

There are many different things that can cause morning back pain. It’s always wise to see a health care provider for recurring pain that does not resolve after a few days. If you notice a pattern of painful periods or if the pain is getting worse, see a professional for an examination to rule out any other causes of your discomfort. When you’re certain that there isn’t a physical injury, illness or organic cause for your pain, it’s probably your mattress. Replacing the mattress or altering the firmness can help to alleviate your discomfort. Life is much too short to put up with nuisance back pain when the answer can be as simple as getting a new mattress for a more restful and comfortable night’s sleep.

Web References

1.https://www.saatvamattress.com/blog/can-a-mattress-cause-back-pain/

2.https://www.thejoint.com/california/seal-beach/seal-beach-31037/how-to-tell-if-your-mattress-is-causing-you-back-p

  1. https://bestmattress.reviews/best-mattress-for-back-pain-reviews/

Chronic Lower Back Pain and 6 Natural Ways to Fix It

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low back painMillions of people suffer from excruciating and immobilizing lower back pain form all over the world. It almost seems like world wide epidemic. A large percentage of these people have to go to work every day and concentrate on their tasks with agonizing and boring back ache. There are many different treatments available for lower back pain varying from modern medicine to great alternative therapies.

Chronic lower back pain causes:

Cancer, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Fibromyalgia, Biomechanical Misalignments, Unbalanced Musculature are the main reasons for lower back pain. Work or sport related injuries or automobile accidents could be the serious cause of lower back pain through out people lives. It can debilitate them for a very prolonged period of time. Sometimes even minor postural abnormalities, sudden jerks or movements, improper exercises and minor falls can be the result of chronic lower back pain

Natural Ways to Counter Severe Chronic Lower Back Pain:

Change Your Posture:

The spine, same as our feet, gets the hardest job in our body as it is used in practically every movement we make and it takes pressure from other body parts such as from the neck, shoulders, head and our arms. As we walk, stand, sit, carry a heavy object or dance, our spine takes the pressure to keep our body erect but at the same time it also has to have the flexibility to make other kinds of movements while keeping our balance.One of the following can be noticed when one has a bad posture: high shoulder, a forward stooping head, a rotated trunk (torso), a hunch back, a high hip, and a side-bent neck and one of the feet will be externally or internally rotated.  Abnormal  posture can result from trauma (like a car accident or fall), repetitive movements (turning your neck towards the monitor), and certain bad postural habits  (sleeping on your stomach). READ MORE …

Get a Good Mattress:

Many patients have been asking my professional advice on which mattress they should buy. There is not a definite answer for every patient. Every single one is going to need a different one in order to get a good night sleep for years to come. Below are some tips and tricks that you can use when buying a new mattress.A mattress should provide uniform support from head to toe. If there are gaps between your body and your mattress (such as at the waist), you’re not getting the necessary support that your body requires. READ AND WATCH MORE …

Get Good Pillows:

When we expect a good night sleep, the majority of us consider mattress characteristic and features, room temperature, room illumination, and noise. Hardly ever we will think about our pillows. There are a lot of options available nowadays. It is important to know that our cervical spine alignment is an important feature of our general well being. Selecting a head support which is equally comfortable to sleep with as well as be able to improve the quality of good night sleep, has to be a necessary foundation for a good nigh sleep. READ AND WATCH MORE …

Use Legs Not Back:

Normally when we lift a weight we put great pressure on our back. Instead, keep your lower back in arched position and lift the load. Bend the knees and put the pressure on your leg muscles. An upright torso while lifting weights can always avoid the risk of chronic lower back pain. READ MORE …

Exercise Routines:

Inclusion of a strict exercise regime for 30 minutes to one hour, everyday can alleviate chronic pain and prevent the occurrence of the same. If you are suffering from chronic lower back and hip pain, it is imperative that you take the advice of a fitness expert. Only a fitness expert can help you with an exercise routine, according to your body condition and physical ability. Body alignment exercises, Bowen therapy and exclusive exercises for the lower back can strengthen the back and abdominal muscles. MORE ABOUT EXERECISES …

Choose Comfort Over Style:

Ladies today choose stylish footwear that are high-heeled like stilettos. They can definitely accentuate your presence but they can damage your back, irreparably. A sturdy shoe and flat footwear can definitely look good on you and save you from many an endless chronic lower back pain treatment. You can stop chronic lower back pain by being cautious and rational.  READ MORE …

Pillow Advice From Your Chiropractor

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PillowWhen we expect a good night sleep, the majority of us consider mattress characteristic and features, room temperature, room illumination, and noise. Hardly ever we will think about our pillows. There are a lot of options available nowadays. It is important to know that our cervical spine alignment is an important feature of our general well being. Selecting a head support which is equally comfortable to sleep with as well as be able to improve the quality of good night sleep, has to be a necessary foundation for a good nigh sleep.

What is the frequency of pillow replacement?

 

Six months to two years is life span of a pillow. A great deal of the time frame will depend upon the pillow you have bought. A folding method would be a good test to measure the replacement status of your pillow. Just fold your head support in half. A brand new pillow will spring right back after you release the pressure, however, an old beaten up one will stay folded. This test is like check engine light in your car. If you wait too long the problem will cost you literally: “Pain in Your Neck.”

How Do You Sleep?

Prior to the first possible pillow you see in the store, consider your sleeping patterns. Your goal is always to keep the head, neck, and spine aligned as straight as possible during sleeping hours. The simple answer to what position you sleep in can tell you a lot about which pillow to purchase. For instance, if you predominantly sleep face up, a flatter head support will do a better job for your neck and will help to keep it aligned as straight as possible with your back. If you sleep on your side, one has to compensate for the depth of their shoulder, so a firmer pillow that has more depth to its filling should be considered. Stomach sleepers also need to consider how they sleep in regards to their arms. Are your arms usually tucked beneath your head or at your sides? Your main goal is to keep your head, neck, and spine as straight and aligned as possible.

 

Additional Tips

  1. When choosing a pillow, be selective. When lying on your side, your head and neck should remain level with your mid and lower spine. When lying on your back, your head and neck should remain level with your upper back and spine. In other words, your pillow should not be so thick that it causes your head and neck to be propped up or angled sharply away from your body.
  2. Be wary of pillows that are made out of mushy foam materials. The weight of your head can displace this kind of foam, leaving little support. Choose firmer foam and materials that press back and support the head.
  3. If you find yourself sleeping on your side with one hand propped under your pillow, that’s a clue that you’re not getting the support you need from that pillow.
  4. There is no such thing as a universal fit when it comes to pillows. Find one that is consistent with the shape and size of your body.

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Mattress Advice From Your Chiropractor

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MATRESSMany patients have been asking my professional advice on which mattress they should buy. There is not a definite answer for  every patient. Every single one is going to need a different one in order to get a good night sleep for years to come. Below are some tips and tricks that you can use when buying a new mattress.
  • A mattress should provide uniform support from head to toe. If there are gaps between your body and your mattress (such as at the waist), you’re not getting the necessary support that your body requires.
  • If you do have back pain and your mattress is too soft, you might want to firm up the support of your mattress by placing a board underneath it. But do this just until the pain goes away; such firmness is not good for “routine” sleeping.
  • Every few months, turn your mattress clockwise, or upside down, so that body indentations are kept to a minimum. It’s also good to rotate the mattress frame every so often to reduce wear and tear.
  • If you’re waking up uncomfortable, it may be time for a new mattress. There is no standard life span for a mattress. It all depends on the kind of usage it gets.
  • Be aware that changes in your life can signal the need for a new mattress. For example, if you’ve lost or gained a lot of weight, if a medical condition has changed the way you sleep, or even if you have changed partners, it could mean that it’s time to find a new mattress that will accommodate those changes and help you sleep more soundly.
  • If you’re not in the market for a new mattress, and your current mattress is too firm, you can soften it up by putting a 1- to 2-inch-thick padding on top of it – usually available at mattress and bedding stores

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