Tap to Read ➤

Tips to Choose the Best Bed for Back Pain Relief

Smita Pandit
Individuals affected by chronic back pain need to pay attention while buying a mattress. When you buy a mattress, don't think of it as just a part of your bedroom decor, think of it as a health care product and make a wise decision.
Restful sleep helps rejuvenate the body and mind, whereas disturbed sleep adversely affect one's ability to pursue daily activities. Therefore, it's extremely essential to ensure that one gets proper sleep. For that, you need to ensure that you are sleeping on a mattress that supports the natural curve of the spine.
Our spine has three natural curves. The curves of the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back) that are C-shaped, whereas the thoracic spine (chest) has a reverse C-shape.
If a mattress doesn't support these natural curves, one is likely to experience back pain. Sleeping on such a mattress can exacerbate the pain in case of individuals already affected by back pain. Thus, make sure that you choose the best mattress for back pain relief.

Should People Affected by Back Pain Sleep on a Hard Mattress?

There was a time when most people were under the impression that sleeping on a firm mattress will alleviate back pain to a great extent.
Well, times have changed; sleeping on a hard surface is no longer considered to be the solution. In fact, studies have revealed that the best mattress is the one that is neither very hard, nor too soft.
Most of us get tempted when we see soft mattresses. These might look very inviting or comfortable, but these do not support the natural shape of the spine. When you sleep on them, your body simply sinks in.
On the other hand, sleeping on a hard surface will definitely exert more pressure on the back and aggravate back pain and stiffness.
It is best to buy a medium-firm mattress. These definitely facilitate proper alignment of the spine. Most orthopedic surgeons and chiropractors agree that these are the best choice for back pain sufferers.

Shopping Tips

Besides the texture of the mattress, you must also take into account your sleeping posture. As mentioned earlier, hard mattresses can exert pressure on the back muscles. If you are a side sleeper, adding a little extra padding will provide some comfort to your shoulders and hips.
If you often experience lower back pain, you can also check out adjustable beds. You could also opt for Memory foam, Tempur-Pedic, latex foam, or futon mattresses. If you are unable to make a decision, you can either go through the reviews or consult an orthopedic surgeon or chiropractor.
These days, several specialized mattresses are available in the market. If you are planning to buy a mattress, don't take a hasty decision. Do lie down on it to see if it is comfortable. Make sure that it facilitates natural alignment of your spine. Also, make sure that you are using the right kind of pillow as well.