Learn how to shop for mattresses for back pain

Back pain is all too common, and it can range from unpleasant and inconvenient, to truly debilitating. A bad back has many potential causes and a range of solutions, including stretches and exercises, physical therapy, and sleeping on a mattress which properly supports your spine.

At Chiropedic, we want to help people get a good night’s sleep. With the right mattress, you’ll get the support you need for your back.

For advice on the best mattresses for your needs, head into your local Chiropedic and talk to our expert team.

Can old mattresses cause back pain?
The short answer is ‘yes’, an old mattress can cause or contribute to back pain. There are also many other potential causes of back pain, including:

• Muscle or ligament strains
• Bulging or ruptured disks
• Arthritis
• Skeletal irregularities
• Osteoporosis 

Whatever the cause of your back pain, your mattress can do a lot to make it better or worse, which is why finding the best mattress for back pain is so important. If your mattress is particularly old or has sections which visibly sag, then it’s not giving you the support you need.

A good mattress should support your spine in a straight, natural alignment and allow your muscles to relax, releasing pressure between your vertebrae.

A bad mattress will not support your spine properly and can throw your joints and muscles out of alignment. This can also be a result of a mattress which is either too soft or too firm for you.

What mattress is best for lower back pain?

The ideal mattress is one which provides the right level of support for your spine while also giving you comfortable, uninterrupted sleep. But this doesn’t mean that there’s one answer that’s right for everyone. Your body is unique, so a mattress that works for someone else might not be the best one for you.

Here are some of the factors you should consider when looking for mattresses for back pain:

1. Talk to a medical professional

This is the most important piece of advice in this guide. If you’re experiencing back pain, you need to see a doctor or physical therapist for advice. Having your back examined by a medical professional can give you invaluable insights into the possible causes of your back pain and what you should be doing to try and improve it.

They may also be able to advise you on the types of mattresses you should be looking at, and you can use that information for your mattress search.

2. How firm or soft should your mattress be?

The best mattresses for back pain are in the ‘Goldilocks’ zone. Not too soft and not too firm.

Your mattress should conform to your body enough that your shoulders and hips sink into it (if you’re sleeping on your side) while your waist and feet rest on the surface, giving your spine a straight, natural alignment.

The level of firmness you need to achieve this will depend on your body type. For many people with back pain, a medium-firm feeling mattress is a supportive choice; but it’s important to try a few different types of mattresses and see what works for you.

3. What materials are the best?

When it comes to the support system of your mattress, it’s difficult to go with anything but a good quality pocket spring mattress. Pocket springs are a style of spring system which uses independent coils designed to contour to your body and provide the support you need. This style of spring system will also minimise partner disturbance, so no more waking up every time your partner rolls over.

Another consideration is the pillow-top materials of your new mattress. There is some evidence to suggest memory foam and natural latex foam mattress perform the best for people with back pain. These types of materials have become very popular in recent years, and they have a lot of positive reviews from people with back pain.

A popular option at Chiropedic is our Posture Gel technology, a material that flexes and contours to your unique body shape to relieve pressure points and distribute weight evenly. The Posture Gel can also help in soothing aches and pains allowing for a more restful sleep.

Combining a quality pocket spring system with one of these materials is the best way to achieve the right support and comfort for your mattress.

4. Try it out

Doing your research is essential when you’re choosing a mattress, but there’s only so much you can learn online. Trying a mattress is the best way to find out if it’s going to give you the right amount of support.

With so many options for materials and firmness, going to a mattress showroom is best way to narrow down your options and find out which type of mattress is the best for you and your sleep style.

5. Get advice

If you’re still not sure what type of mattress is going to be the best for your back, then getting advice from someone who knows mattresses inside and out is your best bet.

The team at your local Chiropedic store can give you advice on the right mattress for you based on your specific needs.

Check out your local Chiropedic

Get advice from our expert team and find the right mattress to help alleviate your back pain. We offer a huge variety of high-quality mattresses, and we have options to suit everyone.

Check out our full range of mattresses online or find your nearest Chiropedic store location.