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Is Your Mattress Making Your Back Pain Worse?

If you have back pain, then you know that waking up stiff and aching is far from the best way to start your day. What’s more, even if you’re getting treatment for your back, you might find that you’re still waking up in pain. So what’s the missing link that’s preventing you from feeling your best?

It’s estimated that more than 60% of Americans suffer from chronic back pain. Unfortunately, for many of these people, poor-quality mattresses could be partly to blame. And while back pain is simply an occasional annoyance for some people, it can be debilitating for many others. Intense back pain that won’t go away not only interferes with daily activities; it can lead to mood swings, depression, and can even interfere with important relationships.

Whether your back pain is a mild annoyance or a debilitating condition, it’s worth exploring whether your mattress could be contributing to the problem.

How do I know what’s causing my back pain?

A variety of different conditions can all contribute to back pain, including arthritis, degenerative disc disease, strain or injury, and even poor posture. The best way to determine the cause of your back pain is to check with a healthcare provider, who will examine your back and help you decide on the best course of treatment.

I’ve tried getting treatment, but I keep waking up in pain.

If you suffer from back pain, then you know that there are many different treatments to choose from. These can include chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, medication, or even more drastic treatments such as surgery. Depending on the cause of your back pain, many of these treatments can be very effective.

However, even with the best treatment, chronic pain can still persist. If your chronic back pain isn’t fully responding to treatment, or if your health care provider thinks that your pain could be due to poor posture, then it’s important to look at how your mattress might be contributing to your pain. If you have a mattress that’s old, or that otherwise isn’t providing the support you need, then there’s a good chance that your sleeping posture is putting excess strain on your back. Finding a mattress that helps you improve your sleeping posture is a safe and effective way to complement your other back pain treatments.

So what does sleep have to do with chronic back pain?

Your sleep posture is important for your back.

A healthy spine has three important curves that need to be supported while you sleep. These include the curve of your neck (cervical curve), your upper back (thoracic curve), and your lower back (lumbar curve). Even if your back is otherwise healthy and pain-free, sleeping in a posture that disrupts the natural curvature of your spine will eventually result in discomfort.

Depending on how you sleep, here are the best ways to support your spine:

  • If you sleep on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach is the most precarious in terms of back pain, as it strains your neck and provides little support for your back. However, if you’re truly most comfortable sleeping on your stomach, consider placing a pillow under your hips in order to provide extra support to your lower back.
  • If you sleep on your side: To support your back while sleeping on your side, put a pillow between your legs, and curl your legs toward your chest. If you tend to curl your top shoulder forward, try using a pillow or other support to keep your shoulders aligned. Otherwise, the forward curve will put excess pressure on your back.
  • If you sleep on your back: Sleeping on your back is great for supporting your spine and relieving chronic back pain. If you sleep on your back, put a pillow under your knees in order to support the curve of your lower back. You can also put a small rolled towel under your lower back for increased support.

Having the right mattress makes it easy to maintain great sleep posture.

Do you have an old mattress that sags in the middle? Do you have trouble falling asleep because your mattress is too hard, or even too soft? These are all signs that your mattress is contributing to your chronic back pain. If you repeatedly wake up with uncomfortable aches in your back, then there’s a good chance that your mattress isn’t helping you maintain a healthy sleeping posture throughout the night.

Ideally, your mattress should be able to provide support to your spine while you sleep. This makes it much easier to maintain a healthy sleeping posture. Although there’s not a hard rule to tell you which kind of mattress is best for you, it’s typically best to find a mattress that’s not too firm and not too soft. A mattress that’s too firm can put excess pressure on your back, whereas a mattress that’s too soft will probably not provide enough support for your back. Many people find that mattresses made of memory foam are a great option, as they contour to the body and provide excellent support.

Ultimately, however, your ideal mattress will depend on your unique preference and body shape. The best way to find the right mattress is to spend time trying out potential mattresses in person. Spend some time lying down on a variety of mattresses to see which ones feel most comfortable. Pay attention to any pain that you experience, as this is a sign that a mattress isn’t right for you. When you find the right mattress, you should notice a feeling of support and comfort.

Choosing the right pillows and supports makes your sleep even more comfortable.

In addition to choosing the best mattress for your spine, using high-quality pillows and other supports while you sleep can make a big difference in helping you wake up feeling your best. Choosing the best pillow for your needs will largely depend on how you sleep. If you sleep on your stomach or your back, you’ll want to choose a thin pillow that won’t cause you to overextend your neck. If you sleep on your side, then you’ll be better off choosing a firm pillow that keeps your neck in line with the rest of your spine.

How can I find the best mattress for back pain relief?

Do you think that your mattress could be contributing to your back pain? Fortunately, you don’t have to keep suffering! At Urban Mattress, we’re more than happy to help you find a mattress that will provide just the right amount of support and comfort for your aching back. Whether you’re looking for a mattress made of memory foam, natural materials, or a number of other specifics, you’re sure to find a mattress that fits your unique needs.

Even better, we have a number of stores in major cities across the country, so you can pick out your perfect mattress in person and have it delivered to your home the next day. Still not sure that you’ll be able to choose the best mattress? You’ll be glad to know that our sales associates are there to help you in a friendly, low-pressure setting.

So if you’re ready to wake up pain-free, please visit your local Urban Mattress store to find out more about our mattress collection.