How To Stop Back Pain When Sleeping
Do you get back pains from time to time after sleeping? We all know it can make getting a good night’s rest challenging. This guide is going to help you identify the type of back pain you’re experiencing and how to combat it.
Types of Back Pains
General Back Pains
Back pain is common and most of the visit to the GP are because of it. If you are suffering from any types/form of back pain, you should see a doctor or osteopath to determine where the pain is coming from and how to treat it.
Lower Back Pain
This pain is often linked to lack of support while sleeping or sleeping. The lack of support leads to poor posture and puts pressure on your coccyx
Upper Back Pain
This type of pain is less common than lower back pain. It is usually the result of poor posture, muscle overuse or injury.
Why Your Sleeping Position Might Be Causing You Back Pain
Sleeping in a position where your spine is not neutral can cause back pain. There are things you can do to aid you in your favourite sleeping position, rather than having to change it.
Back Pain From Sleeping on Your Back
The people who sleep on their back are less likely to experience back pain as this position is most likely to keep your spine in a neutral position. However, depending on the person’s choice of pillow and how supportive your mattress is, it can help to relieve any pain by placing a pillow under your knees. This will help you support the natural curve in your lower back. A thinner mattress topper will provide comfortable cushioning without taking away the support needed from your mattress to stop your midsection from sinking in.
Back Pain From sleeping on Your Side
This position can sometimes cause a numb arm, hip, or lower back pain. This position can reduce heartburn or acid reflux-especially when you are laying on your left side. If you suffer with hip and lower back pain as a side sleeper, a good tip is to try placing a pillow between your knees to help align your hips. A memory foam topper could also help cushion your pressure points.
Back Pain From Sleeping on Your Front
You are less likely to snore if you sleep on your stomach which is an advantage if you share a bed with your partner. This sleeping position can however cause back pain. It can also cause a strain on the neck. To solve this problem, you can try placing a pillow under your pelvis to keep your spine aligned. In addition, a latex mattress topper is often recommended for front sleepers as the elastic material responds to the movement of your body.
What Mattresses Are Good For a Bad Back?
Mattresses have different ratings of firmness, and it is important to choose the correct spring tension for your body. The nest mattress for a person who has a bad back is the one that has enough spring tension for your body weight, enough layers to allow some sink-in in the top layer, a pocket spring unit that can contour to your body, limited transference, a natural fibre mattress, and a two-side mattress model so you can avoid dips. For people who are struggling with back pain, we recommend orthopedic mattresses for back and joint pain.
What is An Orthopaedic Mattress?
Orthopaedic mattresses are extra firm. They are made to provide maximum support through the night, supporting your joints and back gently to reduce pains and aches. The firm support of the mattress distributes your body weight to alleviate stress on the spine, relieving painful pressure points, and helping to maintain natural alignment. These types of mattresses give support to areas of your body that bear the weight during the night. The neck, back, hips and lower portions are catered for ensuring you don’t have a sleepless night.
Types of Orthopaedic Mattress
There are different types of fillings inside orthopaedic mattresses, including open coil, pocket spring, memory foam, gel, latex, as well as natural fillings. They are very firm mattresses and come in a wide range of comfort and support layers so there’s something for everyone.
The Benefits of Orthopaedic Mattresses
An orthopaedic mattress specializes in support and comfort to provide the following:
- Maximum Support – The firm surface gives you optimum push-back for the ideal sleeping position.
- Even weight distribution – These mattresses prevent the build-up of pressure points in your neck, hips, and neck.
- Correct spine alignment – Helps to alleviate stress on your spine and reduce back pain
- Healthy posture – promotes healthier blood circulation throughout the night.
Do I need An Orthopaedic Mattress?
Knowing what you need to have a peaceful night’s rest is important. What works for one person might not work for the other and knowing that your aches and pains may need special attention is important. Orthopaedic mattresses are for people who suffer from discomfort, especially in their back and joints. These types of aching pains need consideration and there are certain ways that an orthopaedic bed can help with this. However orthopaedic mattresses are not for everyone. Choosing the right level of firmness is important for your individual needs and support. Orthopaedic mattresses are firm and that may not be suitable for your body weight and be too ‘hard’ for you.
How Can Orthopaedic Mattresses Help With Disabilities?
Some wheelchairs can cause back and joint pain and without the right approach to bedtime, this can be aggravated by the way one sleeps. Orthopaedic mattresses are tailored to relieve and ease that pain. The spreading of weight can help relieve muscular pain, ease pain from pressure points and help to maintain the natural alignment of the spine. It can also improve blood circulation and help prevent bed sores.
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good For a Bad Back?
Memory foam has advantages and disadvantages for back pain. It moulds around the body and has heat retention properties which can alleviate pain. Memory foam mattresses hold you in one position during the night and are slow to respond, so it can be harder to turn with a bad back. Memory foam mattresses are not good for back pain, instead we recommend firmer mattresses like orthopaedic mattresses.