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3 signs that your mattress is a pain in the back

Your mattress can be a major contributor to back pain and discomfort. However, picking on certain signs can help you manage and eradicate the root cause.
back pain
Get rid of your stiff back! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Grace Bains Published: 12 Sep 2021, 09:00 am IST
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Back pain can be attributed to a variety of reasons – from sitting for long hours working on a computer device, using cell phones, to sleeping posture. The underlying cause often is the pressure on your spine, due to being subjected to unnatural positions for extended periods. The pain and discomfort can be in the form of a dull ache in your lower back, shooting pain and numbness in your limbs and legs, and stiffness in your neck. A major reason contributing to pressure on your spine, is the mattress you sleep on. There are various signs that can reveal whether your mattress is to be blamed for your back soreness and pain.

In fact, as per research by UCLA Medical Center, a mattress that does not fit into the “Goldilocks Zone” of firmness and softness, can lead to serious back discomfort in the morning, and may ultimately turn into a chronic problem.

back pain
If you’re experiencing back pain, you may need to look into your mattress. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Here are three signs indicating that your mattress is causing back pain and discomfort

1. Discomfort and restlessness

You need to be mindful of certain cues, related to the timing of your back pain. In case you experience discomfort and pain, within the first 10 to 30 minutes of waking up, but feel better after some stretching and walking around, then the mattress may be the culprit. Another sign is constant restlessness while sleeping, making you toss and turn in bed. Frequently waking up during sleep, or feeling heightened pressure on joints, are also major indicators of mattress induced discomfort.

2. Type of mattress

The ‘Goldilocks Zone’, as mentioned above, is critical to combating back pain caused by your mattress. People who opt for medium-to-firm mattresses, tend to have less back pain, than their solely softer or harder counterparts. The mattress needs to support the entire body, especially the arch and alignment of your spine. If the mattress is firm, then it will add pressure on your spine, and if it is soft, then it will not support the spinal curvature. So, your back pain could be traced to the type of mattress you use.

back pain
Lower back pain due to the wrong mattress can cause severe discomfort. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. New mattress

Once you switch to a new mattress, your back goes through a transition phase. Your body gets used to the type of mattress you sleep on, and a new, more supportive mattress, may cause back pain, as it is re-aligning your spine to a neutral position. Another reason is that parts such as springs and foams, are stiff at first, and only gradually soften up and conform to your body’s posture. The transition period may be painful, but eventually you will feel better.

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So ladies, be careful of these signs, and consider investing in a new mattress, to manage back pain, and improve the quality of your sleep.

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About the Author

Grace is someone who likes writing enough to make a living out of it. When she isn’t writing, you will find her having chai and reading a book. ...Read More

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