Your mattress may be the cause of your back pain…
The average person spends approximately one-third of their lives sleeping, so it’s important that the mattress we use is comfortable.
Check out sleepcouncil.org.uk. It’s a great site packed with some useful information. They recommend you may need a new bed if:
- Your mattress is more than seven years old
- You wake up with stiffness and/or aches and pains
- You are not sleeping as well as you did a year ago
- You have had a better night’s sleep in a bed other than yours
- Your mattress shows signs of visible wear and tear (it sags or is lumpy)
Buying a new mattress
There is no such thing as “one mattress fits all”. Choosing a new mattress can be tricky, so take time to choose one you like.
Buy a complete bed set – not just the mattress – and always test the mattress out for at least five minutes; remember that your body should be able to relax with your spine in its natural curve, otherwise your muscles tighten more and you can wake up feeling stiff and sore.
Firm is not always best
I am often asked: which is better, a hard or soft mattress? The best mattress is a supportive one, and depending on your weight and necessities, the firmness of the mattress may need to vary.
Research published in the Lancet found that 313 patients who had chronic, non-specific back pain who slept on a medium firm mattress had better outcomes for their back pain than those who used a firm mattress.
Memory foam vs pocket sprung
Lots of research supports memory foam mattresses, but they are not for everyone. Technology has improved vastly and memory foams have greatly improved, so don’t be put off, but do investigate.
The ideal pillow
A pillow should support the curve of the neck in a neutral position both lying on your sides or back. Try different ones and persevere till you find one that suits.
If you suffer from a sore back due to your mattress, I’d be happy to discuss mattress options and show you the pillows I have. Just give the clinic a call, I’d be delighted to help.
Sleep Well!
Jeremy English DC mSTAT
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