Did you know that your bed could be the cause of your back pain?
The results of research undertaken by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) in 2011 showed that 41% of women and 36% of men who said they experienced back pain also said that their back pain could be brought on by a night’s so called ‘rest’.
Choosing the right bed and mattress can minimise factors that lead to and aggravate back pain. Given that it is estimated that we spend more than a third of our lives in bed, choosing the right mattress can have a significant impact on the quality of our lives.
As a chiropractor in North London, Dylan often gets asked by his patients for advice on selecting a new mattress. Here are a few questions that patients often ask about their mattress with some answers:
How do I know if my mattress needs to be replaced?
The first question to ask yourself is whether you and your partner are getting good quality comfortable night’s sleep. If you are not then your mattress may be the problem.
If your mattress is older than 10 years then it is probably time to consider purchasing a new one. Mattresses just like most things wear out and with time start to sag and lose support.
A good sign that your mattress is on its last legs is when you can feel the springs through the mattress. If your mattress has reached this point, then it’s time to visit your local mattress shop.
Should I sleep on a hard or soft mattress?
The main factor to consider is whether the mattress provides you with the support you need. Some of this comes down to your weight. For examples a heavier person may need a firmer mattress than a lighter person.
How do I decide what’s right for me?
A best test to determine whether the mattress is too soft or too firm is to lie on it. When you lie on it your spine should be parallel to the mattress. If you find your spine is sagging then the mattress is too soft. If your spine is bowing then the mattress is too hard.
And remember, your pillow should be an extension of the mattress and allow your neck to continue in line with your spine.
What if my partner needs a different type of mattress?
When choosing a mattress it is important to go with your partner to ensure that the mattress you choose is right for both of you. If you find that you need different types of mattresses you should consider choosing a bed from a range that allows for two single mattresses to be zipped together.
In summary, you have to remember that choosing a mattress is a very personal thing and there is no ‘one fit suits all’ solution. If you think you need a new mattress then spend as much time as possible looking for the right one for you. You’ll be glad you did.
The British Chiropractic Association has put together a video with more information to help you choose a mattress that’s right for you. The video is 3:30 minutes long so please take a look at it here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=j-YFOKmUaC0#!
Here is an advice sheet to accompany the video. http://www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk/gfx/uploads/member%20area/Posture%20sheets/Mind%20your%20posture%20-%20buying%20a%20bed%20-%20sleep.pdf
Sometimes people find that having replaced an old mattress they still experience back pain, if this is the case for you then professional advice or even treatment may be needed. Our chiropractor at Muswell Hill Chiropractic Clinic who will be able to advise you on this. Why not take advantage of our First Visit Special Offer.