Is Your Mattress Causing Your Back Pain?

For thousands of people, waking up with a sore back is a rite of passage. Each day begins anew with a cramp in the lower back or a dull ache. In many cases, it is the very mattress that you sleep on that is the source of your pain. So before you come home and lay down to rest your tired back, read on to see if your mattress is the culprit. Here are two major signs that you have the wrong mattress:

You Wake Up Often

One sure sign that your mattress may be at the heart of your problems is waking up multiple times in the middle of the night. Likewise, if you toss and turn and struggle to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, this is also a sign that your mattress is a problem.

Early Morning Back Pain

Another clear indicator that your mattress is at fault is waking up with back pain. Usually, mattress-related back pain goes away with a few stretches and regular activity throughout the day. If you notice that your back pain diminishes by lunch time, it’s probably a bad mattress that’s making your mornings harder. If left unaddressed, this morning back pain can develop into a chronic problem, especially if you don’t replace your mattress for 5-10 years.

Choosing the Right Firmness for You

The real difficulty with choosing a mattress is that they come in such a wide range of firmnesses. You may think that a soft mattress will be better because it allows you to sink into the fabric and relax. In reality, a mattress that is too soft will not support your spine during the night. On the other hand, a mattress that is too firm could be putting undue pressure on your spine during the night, holding it in an unnatural position. You may need to try a wide range of mattresses to find one in the right zone for your body. As you test mattresses in the store, make sure that you lay down in several different positions to get a true feel for the pressure on your body. Many people lay flat on their backs to test a bed, although that is not a normal sleeping position for them. This may give you the wrong information about which mattress to choose.

The right mattress can make a world of difference when it comes to improving your sleep and eliminating back pain. If you notice early morning back pain on a regular basis, it is time to start thinking about finding a replacement. Don’t settle for a mattress that doesn’t feel right.

If, however, you are experiencing back pain that persists throughout the day and doesn’t seem to be related to your sleeping schedule, it may be time to set up a consultation to help diagnose the cause of your pain. Give us a call and request an appointment today.