Back Pain | How to tell if your mattress is causing you back pain

Sudden back pain is not only painful, it puts a wrench in your way of life. If you haven’t changed anything in your daily routine, what can cause unexpected acute back pain? A major cause of back pain that people often forget about is sleep mattresses. The type of mattress that you sleep on every night could be the cause of your pain.

How to tell if your mattress is causing you back pain

There are many things that can cause back pain. The way you sit, your posture, the type of physical activity you participate in, and how much weight you carry can all be factors contributing to your back pain. However, there are some signs that can give you a clue that your mattress is the culprit. Here are some steps to figure out if your mattress is causing you back pain:

When does your back pain occur– If you wake up with back pain, but can stretch or warm up your muscles within 15-30 minutes to get rid of it, then that is a major sign that your mattress is the cause of your back pain.
Do you wake up frequently at night– If you are constantly tossing and turning to get sleep, that is also a sign that your mattress is doing more harm than good.
When was the last time you replaced your mattress– Your mattress should ideally be replaced every 8 years. Even if you do not have back pain, it is good practice to replace your mattress after 8 years to prevent back pain.

How to pick a good mattress for your back

One of the most difficult things about finding the right mattress is sleep preferences. Everyone has different sleep preferences, some individuals like hard mattresses, others like soft, some people like memory foam, and others like spring mattresses. Despite the endless possibilities of mattresses, the best mattress for your back is one that is not too firm or too soft.

A very firm mattress will cause misalignment by pushing on your pressure points. If the mattress is too soft, it will not support your body and it will sink into the bed. This causes bad posture while you sleep, which can eventually lead to pain. When you lie down on your mattress, it should feel like you are floating on air.

Purchasing a good mattress may not be high on the priority list, however, saving money for a good mattress is important. Think about it, you are spending 7-10 hours of your life lying on your mattress each night; this makes it a very important piece of furniture. Investing in a mattress that supports your body while you sleep will provide you better quality sleep, and prevent back pain.

Do you need an adjustment?

Prior to going mattress shopping, it is a good idea to consult with a chiropractor to check on your body alignment. A chiropractor can help relieve your pain, as well as give you advice on sleeping positions and ways to support your body while sleeping. Chiropractors can also give you recommendations on the type of mattress that would be best for you based on your body alignment.

If you are suffering from back pain, consider a consult with a chiropractic doctor Shawnee, KS who can help create a healing treatment plan for you. Choosing the right mattress is important, and can be the difference between waking up with pain or a good night’s sleep. Chiropractors are trained in providing treatment plans to help manage pain and heal injuries in a holistic manner.

Thanks to LifeWorks for their insights on how to tell if your mattress is causing you back pain, as well as alternative medicine.