Back pain is one of the main causes of reduced mobility by middle age. In particular, low back pain prevents people from doing regular physical activity such as standing from bed and walking. Many doctors used to recommend sleeping on a firm mattress to alleviate low back pain. However, a current study indicates that a stiff mattress may be the last thing you need as it can even worsen pain. Learn more about what science says about back pain management through the right mattress and how to find the best mattress that will be good for your back.
What the Latest Study Says about the Right Mattress for Painful Backs
A study in Spain were conducted on patients with a history of back pain. The participants were given either a firm or medium-firm mattress without knowledge as to the type they received. After they slept on these mattresses, the researchers learned that people who slept on medium-firm mattresses were twice as likely to say they had less back pain when they woke up than those who slept on firmer beds. In other words, a stiffer bed is not necessarily better for a bad back, and in fact, it may even worsen the pain. Let’s be clear that medium-firm mattresses will not cure back pain; however, they can offer better support for your back which is essential to decreasing back pain.
How to Select the Right Mattress for Your Painful Back
More doctors now recommend choosing a medium-firm mattress for a painful back. If it is too hard, the mattress will fail to adapt to the curved shape of your spine. If it is too soft, you may sink in too deeply that your back joints are twisted instead of being suitably supported. You have to find the right balance between firmness and softness based on your preferences as well.
In order to select the best mattress for a better night’s sleep, you can try to lie on the mattress you’re testing for 10 to 20 minutes. This should be enough for your back to settle into the bed. Make sure to lie on your back, your side, or any other position you prefer to fully test the bed’s firmness. Afterwards, you can choose the medium firm bed that provides the most comfort.
Low back pain can be eased with the right mattress. Visit reputable mattress stores to find a bed that in the Goldilocks zone of firmness that will help you sleep better.
Sources:
“Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain,” WebMD.com
“What type of mattress is best for people with low back pain?,” Health.Harvard.Edu,
