Have you ever slept in a hotel bed and woken up with back pain the next day? Or, alternatively, maybe back pain is just a part of your everyday life and when you slept in the guest bedroom at your friend’s house, it was so much better the next day. Your pillows and mattress affect your back a great deal. Different types of pillows and mattresses work better for different people, and you may wonder why this is.
In truth, it goes beyond personal preference, and your body itself can play a significant role in the type of pillows and mattresses that impact your spine positively versus negatively. Here’s what you need to know about how your pillows and mattress affect your back so that you can deduce whether or not your bed is a culprit to your aches and pains. Let’s get into it!
4 Warning Signs That Your Pillows And Mattress Are Bad For Your Back
Bear in mind that there are many different factors that can cause and contribute to your back pain. Anything from your posture to herniated discs to pulled muscles and so many other factors could be a contributing factor to your back pain. With all that in mind, how do you know whether or not your pillows and mattress play a role in yours?
When Does Your Back Pain Occur?
If you wake up with back pain, but then some stretches and movement cause it to go away in half an hour or so, more likely than not, your mattress is to blame.
You Keep Tossing And Turning
If you find that you keep waking up throughout the night and that you just can’t seem to get comfortable, this can impact your spine.
Your Mattress Is Either Too Soft Or Too Firm
Your weight can play a role in whether or not you prefer a firmer or softer mattress. Generally, people who are bigger or overweight find firm mattresses and pillows more supportive, while people who are smaller or thinner may find softer mattresses more supportive. If your mattress and pillows aren’t supportive, this can cause joint issues.
They Are Old
You need to replace your pillows and mattress every few years. This is because they can wear out over time, and also because our bodies change. This can cause your pillows and mattress to not be as supportive as they once were.
How Good Pillows And Mattresses Can Alleviate Your Back Pain
Different people have different needs when it comes to their pillows and mattress. How you sleep plays a role in the type of pillows and mattress that will work best for you – especially your pillows. If you’re unsure of the right type of pillows and mattress for you, your chiropractor or a specialist at a store that sells pillows and mattresses will be able to help you.
Good pillows and mattresses support your body and provide you with comfort all night long. The right mattress won’t make you feel like you’re sinking nor will it feel hard under your body. When it comes to pillows, the general consensus is that your pillow should keep your spine in neutral alignment.
Some health conditions may affect the types of pillows and mattresses that work best for you. For instance, if you suffer from acid reflux, doctors recommend that you sleep with your head elevated 4 inches.
Your pillows and mattress can alleviate your back pain by supporting the natural alignment of your spine. Anything that throws your spine out of alignment could very well result in back pain.
If your pillows and mattress don’t support your spine, you may be hesitant to go shopping for something new. Mattresses especially are quite an investment. As such, it’s important to ensure that you consult with the right people in order to ensure that you obtain the right one. It’s an investment, yes, but it’s an investment into your health and wellness, which is always worth it.
Do You Have Persistent Back Pain?
Ogden Chiropractic is here to help you with your chiropractic concerns. Whether you need advice on sleeping strategies to protect your back, you’re trying to determine whether or not your pillows and mattress are to blame for your back pain, or you simply need chiropractic care, our experienced professionals can provide you with the treatment you need in order to feel better.
Contact us today to schedule your chiropractic consultation, and let us help you get back to a less painful life!