Can Mattresses Cause Back Pain?

Yes, some mattresses can cause back pain. In particular, mattresses with incorrect spinal support can cause joint and muscle compression. Additionally, by lying incorrectly, you place additional pressure on your back and joints. 

This can cause permanent back pain if done repetitively and if you do not invest in a good mattress.

Signs Your Mattress is Causing Your Back Pain

Do You Wake Up in Pain?

If you wake up with a pain in your back and you do not feel well-rested despite getting 8 hours of sleep, it is likely your mattress is the culprit.

If you are starting every new day with back pain that gets a little better throughout the day, even if it's only intermittently, your mattress choice or sleeping position are probably causing the problem. 

Our spines are very delicate and malleable, and if your spinal alignment is improving as you move around during the day, then the damage is being done at night.

Are You Restless at Night?

The wrong choice of mattress can make you toss and turn during the whole night while you sleep. 

This continuous rotational action causes your muscles and joints to contract and lead to damage after a while. 

If you choose a mattress suitable for you, the extra comfort afforded reduces nighttime movements and eliminates the stress placed on your joints and muscles.

Do You Sink Into Your Mattress?

Sinking into your bed at the end of a long day is a wonderful feeling, but it could be wreaking havoc on your back.

While you may think that extra soft mattresses provide comfort, they lack the support your body structure needs to remain aligned and functioning correctly. Long-term use of this type of mattress is bad for your neck, hips, legs and both your upper and lower back. 

Is Your Mattress Too Hard?

A mattress that is too soft is not very good, and so are mattresses that are too hard. Overly hard mattresses do not cushion the joints and create additional impact and pressure on the joints as we move around at night.

Some people believe that their very hard mattress keeps their bodies stable, but hard mattresses cause more damage to the spine due to the inflexible springs in their upper layers.

Have You Recently Bought a New Mattress?

It is not uncommon for our bodies to get used to a mattress, especially if we have had the same one for years.

Just like when we start a detox programme or a new exercise regime and new mattress can lead to new aches and pains that we have never experienced before.

This is usually temporary, as our bodies adjust to the structure of the new mattress and the additional support. Our bodies have a habit of getting comfortable in alignments that are not good for us in the long run. 

Adjusting your body back into the correct alignment can sometimes be painful, but the pain should be short-lived and you should start to feel a lot better than you did before.

Is Your Mattress Too Old?

Even the best mattresses need to be replaced eventually. Ideally, you should replace your old mattress every 6-7 years on average because your body weight, your bone development, constant tossing and turning and other factors wear mattresses out over time. 

Buying a new mattress will both support your development and help you have a sound sleep at night.

How to Pick a Good Mattress for Your Back

Everyone has a different sleeping position and we are all different sizes and shapes. So, t is advised to search for a mattress that meets your needs and gives you support when you need it most.

If you have back pain and have decided to invest in a good mattress, it is best to buy a mattress that is not too soft or too hard, offers adequate lumbar support, with pillows that cradle your neck and shoulders to help you maintain a straight alignment whilst lying down.

The right bed should create the feeling of floating in the air. Lots of mattress sellers offer this experience, but in reality, you will need to do your research and consult with a reputable seller who will give you impartial advice.

We spend an average of 8 - 9 hours a day asleep, so investing in a good mattress is best for your overall health. The way you sleep, the positions you lie in and your body weight are the main things you should consider when choosing your next mattress.

What About Chronic Back Pain?

If you have chronic back pain that does not go away, a medical orthopaedic mattress will probably partially solve your problem. 

Some back disorders may require surgery, and in that case, getting the right mattress is crucial for your recovery and maintaining good back health throughout life.

Why Do Some Mattresses Hurt Your Back?

If you have chosen a mattress that is too soft, it may cause pain in your back and neck. Also, your spine can hurt from the wrong sleeping positions. If you notice these pains and continue, and worsen during the night yo9u are at risk of a mild back complaint during a serious injury.

If you have chosen a very hard mattress, especially if you sleep on your side, you may injure yourself by putting excessive pressure on your muscles and joints as your neck and shoulders become compressed and your spine twists out of alignment.

If you sleep on your back and have chosen a soft mattress, this can cause your spine to curve forwards as the weight of your body pulls you down into the material of the mattress. The weight of your body causes necessary pressure, plus the spinal curvature can lead to serious lower and upper back issues.

Generally speaking, choosing a mattress that is composed of many layers, supports the spine, and has a sturdy core that is strong enough to provide adequate, whole-body support is an ideal solution for most common back complaints.