Best Lower
Mattress shopping is more of an art than a science, but here are some hints on how to find the best mattress for your lower back pain:
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A Medium-Firm Mattress May Be Best
Sleeping on the wrong mattress can not only worsen your lower back pain—it may be the cause of it. A lack of mattress support can strain your muscles and lead to the misalignment of your spine, both of which may contribute to your lower back pain.
No single type of mattress works best for everyone, but many people find the most relief from their back pain with a medium-firm mattress. This type of mattress can provide good support for the natural curvature of your spine, and may help you avoid muscle soreness upon waking up.
Before you commit to a medium-firm mattress, consider the following two tips:
- Purchase a mattress in-store rather than online. This will allow you the chance to try out each mattress—though only for a brief period of time.
- Purchase a mattress with a 30-day return guarantee. This will allow you to try out your new mattress risk-free, as you may find your new mattress uncomfortable after a few nights.
Consider an adjustable bed
An adjustable bed is a base that allows you to sleep at different angles. Typically, you will also need to purchase a new mattress that is compatible with an adjustable bed.
Different sleep positions may work best for people depending on their lower back conditions, but if your lower back pain is caused by osteoarthritis an adjustable bed may be right for you. A good way to test if you may benefit from an adjustable bed is to sleep in a reclining chair overnight. If this helps relieve your pain, it may be time to purchase an adjustable bed and compatible mattress.
In addition to an adjustable bed, you can also purchase specially designed pillows that support your back in a reclining position as you sleep.
It’s true that a new mattress can be a sizeable investment—but it may be worth it if it can provide meaningful relief from your lower back pain.
