Is your Mattress to blame for your back pain?
Is your Mattress to blame for your back pain?
Research by the British Chiropractic Association shows that over 70 percent of people wake up with aches and pains in the morning. This pain in the morning is very common, and it may come as a surprise to learn that bad mattresses can be blamed for a lot of this back pain. In most cases, something as simple as buying a new mattress can provide a better night’s sleep and a more comfortable morning.
How can a mattress cause back pain?
Lack of support from an old or inappropriate mattress reinforces poor sleeping posture, strains muscles and does not help keep the spine in alignment, all of which contribute to low back pain. This can be caused by sagging spots or lumps in an old mattress or simply a mattress that is too hard or too soft for you. (A 16 stone person sleeping on a mattress may not get the same support as a 10 stone person on the same mattress)
How do I know if the mattress is to blame?
There are so many causes of back pain that it can be hard to pinpoint where your aches are coming from. However, there are some clues to look out for to see if your mattress is to blame. The first clue is when your back pain occurs. If your back pain is there when you first wake up, but you can stretch to get rid of it within 15-30 minutes, then that is a major sign that your mattress is doing more harm than good. Also, if you find yourself waking up more frequently or are tossing and turning trying to get to sleep, then that should also be a sign. Even if you are not prone to back pain, you should ideally replace your mattress every seven years.
Is it time to buy a new mattress?
To avoid unnecessary discomfort, the Sleep Council recommends replacing a mattress every seven years. Even if a mattress is less than seven years old, it is a good idea to replace it when it shows signs of wear and age. Here are some signs that it is time to buy a new mattress:
- Springs are showing or can be felt through the top cover when light pressure is applied.
- There are sagging spots, lumps or is misshapen in any way.
- It is visibly soiled, stained, ripped or shows signs of old age.
- It creaks or groans when weight shifts.
- You are waking up with aches and pains.
- It is older than seven years.
Tips for buying a new mattress
We spend on average more than a third of our lives in bed, so we should choose it carefully. Buying a new mattress should be treated as a big decision, much like buying a new car. A new mattress should be an investment, remember every £100 you spend equates to 4p a night over 7 years! Don’t give in to the temptation to buy a low-quality mattress to save the expense. Here are a few tips when buying a new mattress:
- Take your time shopping and comparing mattresses to find one that is just right.
- Remove coats and shoes and try the mattress on your side and back
- Partners that share the same bed should always shop together to find a mattress that will be suitable for both.
- When testing a mattress, choose one that provides good support and keeps the spine in a neutral position.
- Test the mattress with a pillow to get the best idea of how it will be to sleep on the mattress.
- Always look at quality over price when it comes to making the final decision on a new mattress.
Everybody has to sleep, but that sleep should be healthy and productive. Morning aches and frequent back pain don’t have to be a part of life. A new mattress will help reduce back pain and provide a better night’s sleep.
Why not have a look at our great range of mattresses, all of these are on display in our showroom so why not pop down and give them a try.
