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What to Do When Your Mattress Is Giving You Back Pain

Sometimes getting a good night’s sleep can be a pain in the neck (and back). Choosing a new mattress can be difficult, because each company markets their mattresses under different names and stock numbers. According to Dynamic Chiropractic, what might be a firm mattress to one store may be in the “plush” section in another. There are steps that you can take to see if you can mitigate the problem before heading out to buy a whole new mattress set.

  1. Lower Back Pain

    • A firm mattress is designed to give optimum support to your lower back. It prevents your lower back from settling out of line as you are sleeping, and if you are a stomach sleeper, it will keep your pelvis in line. If you are sleeping on an older mattress, it can be causing your low back pain. Even in the last 10 years, revolutions in the mattress industry have created firm beds that give greater support than an old mattress. One way to see if it is the mattress causing your pain is to change your sleeping position.

    Upper Back and Neck Pain

    • A plush mattress, which is mattress-speak for soft and comfy, still provides the support that you need for your back while being softer on your joints. A softer mattress also supports your cervical area by allowing your head and neck to sink into the mattress. If you sleep on your side, a softer mattress will fully support the natural curve your body takes when in this position. One way that you can soften a too-hard mattress is by putting a layer of eggshell foam over the mattress and covering that with a plush mattress pad.

    The Comfort Test

    • Have you owned your mattress for more than five years? The age of your mattress can be critical, as a newer mattress will not sag or poke you in the back with a spring. Lie down on your mattress and concentrate on how your back feels. If you can feel where your back is pulling or causing you pain, then you know which type mattress you need to handle the situation. While on your back, slide your hand under your lower back. According to the Better Sleep Council of Canada, you should be able to wiggle your hand around a bit while in that position.

      If you need to get a new mattress, go the extra mile to test its comfort. Lie on the bed with your spouse. Move around. It doesn’t matter how silly you think you might look. A new mattress is a large purchase, so take your time about it. Lying on a mattress for 10 seconds in the store won't tell you if this is the mattress that will best suit your needs. Assume your deep sleep position to see if all the areas of your back that are giving you trouble are supported. After all, if you do not get the quality of sleep in a pain free bed that you need, that can be an even bigger pain in the neck.

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