Is An Extra Firm Mattress Good For Back Pain?
Do you feel like your back has aged 50 in your 30s? If so, you’re not alone!
Your back pain could be the result of a lack of exercise, prolonged sitting at work hours, or simply resting on an improper mattress.
Statistically speaking, 8 out of 10 people who are above 25 years of age face back pain problems. The key reason is because of our laid-back and immobile lifestyle.
Furthermore, most of us spend one-third of our lives in bed. So, choosing the right mattress to relieve your back pain is essential.
Sleep is the time when your body recovers and relaxes after a tiring day at work. Sadly, most of us usually think that a mattress is not that important when it comes to sleeping.
But that is not the case. Your unhealed back pain could be the result of using the wrong mattress.
This piece attempts to answer your doubts and also show which mattress is good for your back pain.
Keep reading to know more….
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Firm Mattress
A firm mattress is considered a hard mattress that shows no indentation while sitting or laying on it. Take a look at the perks and disadvantages of firm mattresses before we discuss this further –
Advantages
- Comfortable for every sleeping position
- Resists body weight and prevents your body from sinking in
- Provides necessary back support to help you relieve back pain
Disadvantages
- Can be uncomfortable for many people
- Not recommended if you’re having scoliosis or arthritis.
Should I Consider A Firm Mattress?
A firm mattress helps alleviate back pain by distributing the body’s weight more equally and supporting spinal alignment. So your back isn’t curving much as you rest. This will aid in improving the quality of your sleep.
Memory foam and latex are considered to be the best options for back pain. These types conform to your body, support pressure points, and keep your body aligned.
However, a firm mattress may not be a good option for people with certain health conditions (that I have mentioned above). It may be counter-effective for people with serious back problems. Plus, it can lead to spinal misalignment and unnecessary pressure on your body parts.
Which Mattress Is Better For Back Pain?
Apart from moving onto a healthy lifestyle, it is also crucial to choose a firm mattress that is best suited for you:
Medium Firm
In this type, you can feel the mattress but the density of it does not interfere with your spine, lower back, and pressure points.
It provides support to the parts where it’s needed and provides comfort to other body parts as well.
Since it is neither too soft nor too firm, it is one of the most popular types of mattress that people go for.
Also, you need to make sure to point out that you want a medium-firm density mattress while purchasing.
Gel Memory Foam Mattress
This type consists of gel particles fused with Visco foam to reduce trapped body heat. Also, this helps the mattress feel softer.
With the development of gel memory foam, additional materials are now added like aloe vera and tea tree extracts. This helps in reducing odors and provides you with aromatherapy while sleeping.
These mattresses ensure proper spinal alignment and even though they show indentation, they still support the body and follow its natural curves.
Latex Mattress
Latex foam is generally a blend of the latex of the Hevea brasiliensis tree and synthetic latex, which is derived from petrochemicals and other substances and fillers.
A high-quality latex mattress is excellent for alleviating back pain. This type of mattress helps with chronic back pain by conforming to the body’s natural curves.
It provides the necessary support for the body’s pressure points and at the same being soft enough to contour the body.
How To Choose The Best Mattress For Your Back Pain?
Here are some tips and tricks that you can use while purchasing the best mattress for your particular problem.
Follow Your Personal Preferences
If you want to find out whether a firm mattress would feel better than the one you’re currently using, then here’s a trick that you can follow:
Try putting a plywood board under your mattress to dampen the movement from the bedsprings, or try placing your mattress on the floor.
Once you feel comfortable with this setting, then you should go for a firm mattress.
Sometimes, what feels comfortable for a few minutes in a store may not turn into a good night’s sleep. So, this trick might be useful for you and help you decide better.
Consult A Medical Professional
If your back pain is serious and is causing a hindrance in your comfortable life, you should consult a medical professional.
Back Support
While you go purchasing your mattress, you should ask for a mattress with good back support. Also, make sure to ask about the density, and the ability to conform to the spine curvature of the mattress.
Other Factors To Consider
Consider Your Weight
A firm mattress may not be suitable for all people. It is believed that thinner people have a hard time adjusting to firm mattresses. They might feel more pain in the body’s pressure points in the morning.
On the flip side, overweight people find comfortable sleeping on a firm mattress due to its even weight distribution.
Consider Your Gender
Naturally, women have a prominent waist curve. So, a mattress that is soft enough to support the natural curves and pressure points is essential. An extra firm mattress may lead to premature back pain.
The Key Takeaways
You can’t go through life allowing your pain to dictate how you behave. So, you must be quick enough to acknowledge the reason for your pain and alleviate it.
With that said, an extra firm mattress may not be the one for you, but it can be for others.
Make sure to educate yourself on mattresses, and see what fits your needs the best. Of course, you need to consult with your doctor if you feel the need to do so.
This will help you find a perfect mattress that will serve you and your back for years to come. Hope this piece is helpful to you.
