A good night’s sleep is very important, but if you are a back pain sufferer it is crucial…

In this article we discuss how to find the best mattress for back pain.

If you have back pain you owe it to yourself to find the best mattress you can to help support your back. So you can get a good nights sleep.

Having lower back pain by itself can be a life changing experience, however not sleeping on the right mattress can make matters worse.  In this article we are going to discuss how to find the best mattress for back pain.  The simple fact is a poor quality mattress or a mattress that is not suited to your body type can create a poor sleeping environment by not providing adequate support, causing an over stretching of ligaments and muscles and contributing to more lower back pain.

The ideal scenario is finding a mattress that not only provides support to the spine but is also comfortable and suited to your own individual sleeping habits. This is not an easy task, because being uncomfortable during a bout of back pain is one thing, but more often poor sleeping habits contribute to structural issues that can cause back pain in the future. So choosing a mattress that is both comfortable to you when you don’t have pain and one that also supports your back and allows you to get the rest you need when you do have pain can be frustrating, but it can be done.

Best Mattress For Back Pain

As I just mentioned the perfect mattress does exist, it just isn’t the same for everyone. The ideal mattress allows the person a restful night sleep and doesn’t create morning aches and pains. If you are a back pain sufferer then it is very import ant to choose a mattress that not only is comfortable, but also provides the support your injured spine needs. When researching mattresses you want to understand the mattresses construction. In a standard mattress the coils or springs within the mattress provide support to the spine and the rest of the body and depending on the type of mattress the configuration and volume of springs can be different.  Another factor is the actual cushioning on the mattress, which can vary. Most mattresses have padding that ranges from about 7 inches to 18 inches and both of these factors can play a role in your individual comfort.

The ideal mattress will provide good and solid support for the spinal curves to maintain proper alignment and decrease the amount of stress on the back. By supporting the spine properly the supporting muscles and ligaments of the spine avoid overstretching contributing to that morning stiffness and muscle soreness that can occur in the morning.

The fact is unlike other aspects of medical research there is not a lot of clinic information about mattresses.  There are some studies out there that show that a medium-firm mattress can provide better support and relief from back pain then a firm mattress.

The key for anyone choosing a mattress is to create a fine balance between spinal support and sleeping comfort. You have to be comfortable enough to get the rest you need otherwise what is the point in having your back supported? Hard mattresses can make you sore and stiff, because they are unyielding to your body’s natural curves and can create areas of pressure that can lead to soreness.  A medium-firm mattress may be more desirable because your shoulders and hips are able to sink down a little creating a more natural posture. If you need a firmer mattress to support your back a little more in the padding or even a pillow-top addition can help make it more comfortable.

As a back pain sufferer it’s extremely important to have a good supportive mattress, however many people don’t know when a mattress is past its prime. If you can see sagging areas in your mattress it is most likely time to get a new one.  Below are a few helpful tips to utilize when mattress shopping.

• Don’t let price be the biggest factor when choosing a mattress. This is an investment for you and a purchase you will have for years to come. Higher quality coils, memory foam mattresses and quality padding does cost more, but the overall health benefits outweigh the cost. There are good mattresses however that don’t come with a high price tag. There are a lot of mattress stores out there nowadays and price wars are common. Use the competitive marketplace to your advantage and compare brands store to store.

• Don’t fall victim to a claim that a certain mattress has any medical backing. There are no definitive studies out there and if there are studies about a particular mattress the manufacturer most likely funded the study. The data may be compelling and even valid to a degree, but  as always use your best judgment.

• If possible try out a particular brand before investing in it. Some manufacturers like Tempurpedic allow you to try it in your home as part of a trial process. If you don’t want to go that route call around to some area hotels and ask what types of mattresses they use. One chain that I frequent has replaced all of their beds with sleep number beds. This is a great way to try out a mattress prior to buying one. You can also ask friends and family members what they have, and if they have a brand you may be interested in head on over and test it out. A  good 15-20 minutes should be enough to see if a mattress is comfortable enough for you.

• Look for reviews about the mattress or company you are purchasing from. Look at their policy on returns, warranties, delivery options etc. You can find a lot of this online in forums and back pain support groups.

Once you find a great mattress there are a few things you can do to make sure it lasts and gives you the support and comfort you need for many years to come. One simple thing you can do is rotate the mattress so that it gets worn evenly. You may also want to flip it over if it doesn’t have pillow top to ensure an even wear.

As an effective strategy for managing lower back pain choosing a mattress is a key strategy and taking things slow and not getting drawn into the hype is important. Another important thing you can do is ask your spine specialist. Many doctors who deal with back pain regularly more than likely have been asked the question hundreds of times and in most cases they have done some research of their own and can often give you a good recommendation.

No matter what the cause of your back pain is, find the best mattress for back pain can be a challenge. Utilizing the tips outlined in this article hopefully will put you closer to finding that ideal mattress to help relieve your back pain.