Many people experience poor sleep due to back pain. It’s also common for individuals to be concerned with neck, shoulder, and hip pain, especially if they are waking up with pain in the morning or if the pain disrupts their sleep. One of the simplest ways to prevent back pain is ensuring that you have an appropriate mattress for your needs. Here are some tips to consider when buying a mattress for back pain relief:
1. Find a mattress with back support
Traditionally, mattresses were not designed with back support in mind. However, this has changed in recent years, as most manufacturers have realized the value that many consumers place on having a mattress that offers spinal support. This support is particularly necessary for people who suffer from lower back pain. You should, therefore, take your time to find a mattress that has been specifically designed to offer the support you need.
2. Replace old mattresses
Old mattresses tend to sag over time, minimizing their ability to offer necessary support to the body and leading to back pain. Therefore, your old mattress might be one of the reasons you are experiencing back pain, and you should replace it. In fact, try not to wait until your mattress is completely worn out before replacing it—a good rule of thumb is to replace your mattress every 6-8 years.
3. Adjustable firmness
Some mattresses come with adjustable firmness levels. This is an essential feature for those who experience back pain, as it allows you to adjust the level of firmness depending on your changing needs. For instance, you can have a softer mattress if you are experiencing pain in the lower back. Alternatively, you can make the mattress firmer if you find that the current level of firmness is not ideal and you need more support.
4. Strike a balance between support and comfort
As you look for a mattress that will help you ease back pain, it is vital that you find a mattress that strikes a balance between comfort and support. This is because a mattress that is too soft will not offer the needed support to the body, leading to more pain, but a mattress that is too firm can make it difficult to sleep, which is also not ideal. Therefore, like Goldilocks, you need to find a mattress that isn’t too soft and isn’t too hard. You need to find one that is “just right” for you.
5. Inquire about inner springs
The inner springs of whatever mattress you choose will directly impact your comfort, so it is important to get the facts about them before you make your purchase. Some mattresses come with pocketed coils, while others have open coils. Pocketed coils are ideal, as they allow for more movement, meaning that you should not be disturbed by your partner’s movements during the night.
6. Speak with an expert
You might find it challenging to find the most appropriate mattress for you on your own. In such a case, you should consider speaking with an expert who will be able to guide you in making the right decision. This is especially useful if you have been experiencing back pain. An expert can help you find a mattress that is specifically designed to offer relief from back pain.
