Most people suffer from back pain at least once in their lifetime. According to research, there could be many reasons: poor diet, smoking, depression, a fancy office chair, excess weight, etc. However, one of the more obvious and direct factors that could be linked to the condition is the way people manage their backs. Of course, this includes the way they sleep and the mattresses they sleep on.
So what is the best mattress for back pain relief and prevention? Let's answer this question from three perspectives:
Firm, Soft or Medium-firm?
At least 75% of orthopedic doctors would still generally recommend a firm mattress to their patients, but the problem is when it puts pressure on the shoulders, hips, and the back of the head. The result could be back pain. On the other hand, using a very soft mattress can make the body sag, causing the spine to droop and again putting pressure on the shoulders and hips while the body tries to maintain its balance. A medium-firm product is generally the best option because it maintains the body's natural curvature during sleep, while providing just the right balance of support and cushioning.
Medical Conditions and the Right Mattresses
Categorizing a mattress simply as soft, medium-firm, and firm is one way of qualifying these products in relation to back pain. Another way of doing that is by considering any medical condition that may be behind the pain, and how choosing the right mattress will make a difference. For example, people with sciatica, a condition characterized by nerve injury and worsened by flexion, will do well with a firm mattress. On the other hand, people with spinal stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal column, will be more comfortable with a soft mattress that will not add to the pain caused by the spinal column pressing against the spinal cord.
The General View
The most common way of determining whether a mattress is good or bad for back pain is simply looking into how it works against the person's back. From this perspective, a mattress should provide uniform support; meaning, there shouldn't be room for air to pass between the mattress and the person's body when lying down. Weight must be distributed evenly so as to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on any part of the back. The best choice based on this standpoint is a medium-firm best mattress for back pain relief. What's important is that the person is comfortable with the product, regardless of what is comfortable to others.
Since not all people develop have back issues, there aren't any hard and fast rules on choosing the right product. However, it is safe to say that understanding the role of mattresses in back pain and buying a trusted brand such as Beautyrest mattress are the two most important steps to bringing home the right product for many back pain-free nights to come.
