As chiropractors, we are often asked which mattresses are the most supportive for the spine. Sleeping on the wrong mattress can easily cause severe to moderate back pain over time, and keeping a healthy back is crucial to the success of daily activities. Keeping the spine in alignment while easing muscle strain is vital to a quality of sleep that will deliver alertness and strength the following day.
The key to finding the perfect mattress for you is to locate a mattress that provides both comfort and support. The truth is, there is no single mattress that is perfect for everyone. Your personal preference reigns supreme as making sure that you are comfortable allows muscles to relax and the body to soften. The mattress that caters to your ultimate comfort and allows you to get the best night’s sleep is going to be the most beneficial. Personal preferences are comprised of choices like the thickness of mattress padding, number of coils, and mattress depth. You should inquire about all of these components upon purchase in order to be best informed.
A great mattress should be one that provides back support and caters to the natural curves and alignment of the spine. Owner experience data shows that supportiveness is a key factor in preventing and alleviating back pain while helping to avoid muscle soreness and tightness in unsupported areas of the body. While again there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to mattress preference, research has shown that medium-firm mattresses provide the most back pain relief. A mattress that is too firm is likely to cause aches and pains on pressure points. It is important to avoid “sagging,” which occurs when part of a mattress (usually the middle) becomes compressed and lower than the rest. Keeping the body in a natural position is best for spinal health.
Another crucial point is understanding when your mattress’ time is done and a new mattress is needed. If the old mattress visibly sags and is no longer comfortable, it’s time to shop for a new mattress to avoid soreness and poor sleep. Too often people overestimate the shelf life of their mattress and continue to sleep on a surface that is no longer supports the body.
For additional information on the perfect mattress for your back, call the Ward Rehab and Chiro office today or feel free to schedule an appointment.
