How to Choose the Best Mattress for Neck and Back Pain

Could Your Mattress Be Contributing to Your Discomfort?

Patients often complain that they felt fine when they went to bed, but “woke up in pain”.  Sometimes this is the result of previous activities that have finally culminated in painful pressure on spinal nerves.  But other times, their mattress itself may be the source of the problem.  Sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause neck or back pain.  It may cause an existing problem to worsen or retard your recovery.
 

Reasons Your Old Mattress Needs to be Replaced

Most mattresses are only built to last 5 to 7 years.  After that time, they break down, and the materials no longer support you the way they once did.  The mattress that was perfect for you 5 years ago may now be the cause of painful problems because of three important factors: deteriorating materials, physical changes in your body, and the number of people (or pets) sleeping with you has changed. 
 

1. Deteriorating Materials

Over time, padding can become bunched or matted. 
Springs wear out and lose their resilience.  Foam can break down or become deformed.  One side or one end of the mattress may deteriorate more rapidly, causing a slope or indention.
 

This deterioration may happen more quickly if someone is heavier, as this puts more stress on the mattress.  It can often be accelerated by children or pets jumping on the mattress or burrowing in to sleep.

 

2. Physical Changes in Your Body

Significant changes in your body weight can cause you to need a different type of support from your mattress.  Deterioration in your body, such as arthritis or a disc herniation, makes it more difficult to move easily.  Injuries or surgeries can also cause physical changes that require different support.  These can change the type of mattress that is best for you.

 

3. Number of People or Pets Sleeping with You Has Changed

If you were sleeping alone, but now have a spouse, partner, child, or pet (especially larger pets, such as a large dog) is now sleeping with you, their extra weight or movement may require a different type or firmness of mattress.  Similarly, if you did have other people or pets sleeping with you and they are no longer doing so, the loss or their weight or movement may require a change. 

 

Which Mattress is the Best for You? 

Patients often ask me which mattress is the best.  That is not an easy question to answer, as everyone is unique and the best mattress for one person may create problems for another.
 

Mattresses are very expensive and there is an enormous variety of mattresses to choose from today, including Innerspring, Memory Foam, Gel Foam. Polyfoam., Latex, or Hybrid (coils plus foam or latex,). Your physical condition, size, weight, sleeping position, whether you feel hot or cold during the night, and personal preferences can affect which mattress is best for you.
 

Guidelines for Choosing the Best Mattress for You

Here are some guidelines that can help you in your quest to find the best mattress for you.
 

If you have scoliosis or are experiencing chronic low back pain, hip pain, low back disc problems or sciatica, a memory foam mattress will give your body more support around the areas of degeneration.  Memory foam can easily contour to the shape of your body, alleviating pressure that can result in pain.
 

If you have neck or shoulder pain, a memory foam mattress will also give you more support.  It is also helpful to use a memory foam contoured pillow to support your neck.
 

If the memory foam seems too firm, a hybrid mattress may be better for you.  The hybrid mattress still offers good support but also includes some bounce.
 

If you get too warm at night, a regular memory foam mattress may not be a good choice for you because they don’t breathe as well and will generate more body heat.   The heat may worsen your neck, back, or disc condition, so a latex or gel-infused memory foam, or hybrid mattress may be a better choice and provide more cooling.  
 

If you are overweight, you will need a firmer mattress to support you.  
 

Innerspring mattresses are best for stomach sleepers.  However, if you are a stomach sleeper with neck or back pain, your sleeping position may be contributing to your problems.  Sleeping on your stomach puts pressure on the cervical spine and brachial plexus (the nerves in your neck and arms) due to having your head turned to one side.  Changing your sleeping position to your side is a better alternative.
 

If you must sleep on your stomach, put a pillow under the shoulder that you turn your head to, in order to take the pressure off of your neck and brachial plexus.  
 

Make Sure the Seller Offers a Reasonable Return Policy

When testing out new mattresses, I realize that many have a break-in period during which it will soften and the support will change.  Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses will contour to your body shape over time.  That is why so many mattress companies now offer a trial period during which you may return their mattress and receive a full refund (although some companies do include a return charge).  
 

Don’t assume that a mattress is not right for you because it initially feels too hard.    And that new mattress that felt great the first week may soften and not feel as good a month later.  
 

Some mattresses require a longer break-in period to soften up than others.  If you are not sure that the return period is sufficient, look for reviews from individuals who have purchased the same brand to see if they complain about changes after the trial period ended. 
 

Changes will be faster for those who weigh more.  For some individuals, it may take up to 90 days of use to know if that mattress is right for you.
 

What If Your Mattress Isn’t the Main Cause of Your Discomfort?

When deciding to purchase a new mattress to help relieve neck or back pain, you should always consider the cause of your pain.  Although the proper mattress can help, if the underlying cause is an injury, spinal degeneration, arthritis, stress, increased weight, or poor health, you will need to address the root cause directly to resolve the problem.  A chiropractic physician can help you discover the underlying cause of your pain and help give you the care you need to eliminate it.
 

Find Relief from Neck and Back Pain at Nixa Chiropractor Plus

If you’re battling with neck or back pain, call Dr. Hunter Greenwood at Nixa Chiropractor Plus to schedule your consultation and discover how chiropractic care can help you live pain-free.
 

Dr. Greenwood has helped thousands of patients resolve their neck and back pain in his over 40 years of practice.  Call 417-725-6655 today or visit our office at 1361 W. Mount Vernon Street in Nixa, MO to see how Dr. Greenwood can help you.
 

Isn’t it time YOU felt good again?