How to Choose The Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain

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There are a few forms of bodily pain where proper mattress selection is very important, and lower back pain is one of the top examples. How do you go about choosing the best mattress for lower back pain, and which chief factors should be influencing your choice?

At Mattress Dealzz, we're proud to offer an extensive range of mattress products for any need, including for clients who deal with lower back pain. Here are some tips on finding the best mattress for lower back pain and your specific needs, including some basics on the causes of back pain and why mattresses are important for combatting it, plus tips on important concepts like firmness, mattress materials and more.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Here are some of the most common causes of lower back pain, which can vary from person to person:

Muscle or ligament strain: This type of injury is often caused by overexertion, incorrect lifting techniques, or sudden movements that strain the back muscles or ligaments.
Poor posture: Sitting or standing in an awkward position for extended periods can lead to chronic back pain.
Degenerative disc disease: With age, the discs between vertebrae may lose cushioning and become stiff, making movement more painful.
Herniated disc: When a disc ruptures and its inner material leaks out into the spinal canal, it can put pressure on nerves and cause pain.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis affects the joints in the spine, causing pain and stiffness.

Role of Mattresses in Managing Lower Back Pain

The mattress can play a crucial role in managing lower back pain. A good mattress can provide the necessary support and alignment for your spine while you sleep, allowing muscles and ligaments to relax and heal. On the other hand, an old or inappropriate mattress can worsen existing back pain or contribute to its development.

Much of this comes down to choosing the ideal mattress for your pain, which involves evaluating a few key factors. We'll go over those in the rest of this blog.

Firmness

One of the most important things to consider when selecting a mattress for back pain is firmness. While many people believe that a firmer mattress is better for back pain, this isn't necessarily the case. In fact, research has shown that medium-firm mattresses tend to be more beneficial for those with lower back pain.

A medium-firm mattress provides enough support to keep your spine aligned while also allowing some cushioning for pressure relief. On the other hand, a mattress that is too firm can create uncomfortable pressure points and lead to poor sleeping posture. So don't automatically assume that firmer means better when it comes to managing back pain.

Support

While firmness plays a significant role in supporting your back, the overall support of your mattress is also crucial. A supportive mattress should keep your spine in a neutral position, which means that it should maintain its natural curves without any strain or discomfort. This ensures that your muscles can fully relax and rejuvenate during sleep.

There are a few factors to consider when looking for a supportive mattress:

Type: Innerspring mattresses tend to offer more support than memory foam ones due to their coil structure. However, the quality and number of coils can vary greatly, so make sure to do some research before making a purchase.
Material: Latex and hybrid mattresses are known for their excellent support as they have a responsive yet contouring feel. They also tend to be more durable than other types of mattresses.
Firmness: The level of firmness needed for proper support can vary based on an individual's body weight and sleeping position. Generally, those who weigh more or sleep on their stomach should opt for a firmer mattress, while those who weigh less or sleep on their side may benefit from a softer one.
Support zones: Some mattresses have targeted support zones, with firmer areas in the middle to support the hips and softer areas around the shoulders. This can be beneficial for those with specific pressure points or chronic pain.
Edge support: If you tend to sit or sleep near the edge of your bed, it's important to choose a mattress with good edge support to ensure you are covered.

Sleep Position Tips

Another important area when it comes to addressing lower back pain via your mattress is your sleep position. Here are some tips for each sleep position.

Back Sleepers: Sleeping on your back can be beneficial for those with lower back pain, as it distributes weight evenly and keeps the spine in a neutral position. If you are a back sleeper, make sure your mattress has enough support to keep your hips from sinking too far into the mattress.
Side Sleepers: For side sleepers, it's important to have a mattress that contours to the curves of your body and provides adequate pressure relief for your shoulders and hips. Look for mattresses with softer comfort layers to avoid putting too much pressure on these areas.
Stomach Sleepers: Sleeping on your stomach can put strain on your lower back and neck, so it's important to have a supportive mattress that keeps your spine in alignment. Look for mattresses with firmer comfort layers to prevent sinking too far into the mattress.

At Mattress Dealzz, we're here to offer a wide range of mattress products for any need, including for pain issues. Contact us to learn more about finding the best mattress for lower back pain, or for any need you may have. We're standing by to assist you!

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