Best Mattresses for Back Pain 

Choosing the Best Mattresses for Back Pain

If you suffer from back pain, the right mattress makes all the difference in your recovery. In fact, your mattress could be the culprit triggering your back issues. When it comes to finding the best mattress for back pain, there is no one-size-fits-all.

Much depends on what part of your back bothers you, and your own personal preferences. Look for a mattress that both eases back pain and allows you to sleep comfortably. A mattress that does one, but not the other, is not the right choice. If you want to know more about what steps you can take to lessen your back pain, speak to a knowledgeable back pain doctor today.

Not Too Firm, Not Too Soft

For most people dealing with back problems, a medium-firm, quality mattress is their best bet. If a mattress is too firm, it can cause discomfort via excess pressure on the most vulnerable areas of your back. And yet, if it’s too soft, you will have little support and help with back alignment.

A medium-firm mattress helps keep your spine aligned, which is crucial for back pain recovery. Good spinal alignment – think posture in a recumbent position – helps your ligaments and muscles relax properly when you sleep.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Rather than opt for a traditional innerspring mattress, consider a memory foam mattress if your back bothers you. These mattresses conform to your body and distribute your body weight evenly.
When you are out of the bed, the mattress returns to its normal shape. Because the mattress retains body heat, it is not the best option if your bedroom is unusually warm or you tend to be hot at night.

Mattress technology is constantly changing, and there are new mattress materials – such as gel or micro-coils – coming into use all the time. Ask your doctor about how the new materials stack up against the more proven mattress types.

How You Sleep

Your favorite sleeping position also plays a role in the type of mattress you purchase – unless you primarily sleep on your stomach to relieve back pain. If you cannot retrain yourself to sleep on your back or side, you need a very firm mattress. Because stomach sleeping can exacerbate back pain, try to start sleeping in another position.

If you spend most of the night on your side, you want a slightly softer mattress. That is because you need extra shoulder and hip protection. If you prefer to sleep on your back, a good medium firm mattress should fill the bill.

Beware of Orthopedic Claims

Some mattresses are advertised as orthopedic. That does not automatically make them the preferred choice for those with back pain. These mattresses tend toward the very firm. Find out why the mattress is considered orthopedic – it is likely there is no official certification for that claim.

Mattress Testing

So, how do you test out a mattress before purchase? You – and any person sharing your bed – can try out mattresses in the store. If you travel or visit overnight and really like the mattress, find out the make and model. Most stores will let you exchange a mattress within a certain time period if it does not suit you.

Once you find the right mattress, you know. Even if a new mattress does not cure your back pain, it should make you more comfortable.

For more information or to see a doctor about chronic back pain, contact Elite Spine and Orthopedics at (855) 77-SPINE.