Can an Orthopedic Mattresses Cause Back Pain?

It’s a question that many people ask: can an orthopedic mattress cause back pain? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. Orthopedic mattresses are designed to align the spine and improve back health, but they can do the opposite if they aren’t fitted properly. In this blog post, we’ll talk about how orthopedic mattresses can cause back pain and what you can do to prevent it.

My name is Dr. Lawrence Woods, DC, and I have been designing orthopedic mattresses for over 20 years. As a chiropractor, my goal has always focused on improving the health of my patients by optimizing their sleep. My designs have been nominated for numerous awards, and I continue to be at the forefront of this industry, helping people get the best night’s sleep possible.

Here is my research on whether orthopedic mattresses can worsen your back pain.

As a general rule, orthopedic mattresses reduce back pain, not cause back pain. However, many mattresses labeled as orthopedic may not be orthopedic. These mislabeled mattresses could result in a worsening of back pain symptoms.

In the rest of this article, I will explain how orthopedic mattresses can cause back pain and what you should look for when choosing an orthopedic mattress.

Can Orthopedic Mattresses Cause Back Pain or Worsen Existing Back Pain Symptoms?

An orthopedic mattress is designed to support the spine in its natural alignment. However, if the mattress is too soft, it will not provide enough support and can worsen back pain. A too-firm mattress can also cause back pain because it can put pressure on the joints. The ideal orthopedic mattress is medium-firm, which provides support without putting too much pressure on the body.

When choosing an orthopedic mattress, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that the mattress is right for you. A chiropractor or orthopedic doctor can help you select the best orthopedic bed for your individual needs.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an orthopedic mattress:

– Make sure the mattress is medium-firm, not too soft, or too firm.

– Consult a healthcare professional to ensure the mattress is right for you.

– Choose a mattress that is comfortable and provides support for your spine.

What is an orthopedic mattress?

Not all mattresses called orthopedic mattresses are orthopedic as the term is not regulated in mattress marketing. An actual orthopedic mattress is designed by a chiropractor, physiotherapist, or other musculoskeletal specialists to offer the proper support for the spine, neck, and hips.

The term orthopedic is derived from the Greek orthos, meaning “correct,” and paideia, meaning “child-rearing.” It refers to medical care that helps correct deformities and problems with bone growth.

Most “Orthopedic Mattresses” are not Orthopedic.

In my experience as a chiropractor and mattress designer, I found that only about one percent of orthopedic mattresses on the market are orthopedic. The other 99% of orthopedic mattresses are regular mattresses with no special features or benefits for people with back pain.

When shopping for an orthopedic mattress, it is essential to see if the mattress was designed by or with a healthcare professional to ensure that you are getting a genuinely orthopedic mattress.

How to Spot Fake Orthopedic Mattresses

Here is a list of things to avoid if you want to find an actual orthopedic mattress:

• The mattress is advertised as orthopedic but does not list any specific orthopedic benefits.
• If the mattress is advertised as orthopedic but only provides “extra-firmness.”
• If the mattress is advertised as orthopedic because it is medium-firm.
• The company sells a mass-market mattress (often bed-in-a-box) and has purchased endorsements from credible orthopedic organizations for marketing purposes. (Unfortunately, this is a widespread practice and requires some simple discernment about whether the mattress is calling itself orthopedic for marketing reasons or if experts designed the bed itself.)
• If the mattress is advertised as orthopedic but does not list any orthopedic credentials of the company or the people who designed it.
• If the mattress is advertised as orthopedic but is not endorsed by any credible orthopedic organizations.

How a Bad Mattress Can Cause Back Pain

We spend about a third of our lives asleep, so it’s essential to have a comfortable mattress that will support our bodies and allow us to get a good night’s rest. Unfortunately, many people suffer back pain, and orthopedic mattresses are often blamed. But can an orthopedic mattress cause back pain?

In my clinic, I often see patients complaining of back pain. Some of them say that their orthopedic mattress is to blame. Indeed, a bad bed can undoubtedly contribute to back pain.

There are three essential features of an excellent mattress for back pain.

First, it should have good support. The mattress is firm enough to support your spine in a neutral position. Second, it should be comfortable. This means that the mattress is soft enough to relieve your hips and shoulders pressure. Third, it should be durable. This means that the mattress will maintain its shape and support over time.

Orthopedic mattresses are often advertised as being suitable for back pain, but not all orthopedic mattresses are created equal. Choosing an orthopedic mattress with all three of these features is essential. Otherwise, you may wake up with back pain instead of getting the restful sleep you need.

Are Orthopedic Mattresses just an extra firm mattresses?

No, orthopedic mattresses are not simply extra-firm mattresses. Excessively firm mattresses have been found to cause more discomfort and back pain.

Orthopedic mattresses are designed by a chiropractor, physiotherapist, or other musculoskeletal specialists to offer the proper support for the spine, neck, and hips. An Orthopaedic mattress helps you get great sleep by reducing muscle tension throughout your body.

A medical study has found that the ideal firmness for an orthopedic mattress is medium-firm. This means that your body still receives good support while conforming to your body enough to allow you to sink into the mattress. When your mattress conforms to your body, more surface area is in contact with the mattress, increasing pressure relief and distribution.

How do orthopedic mattresses differ from regular mattresses?

Orthopedic mattresses support the body’s natural alignment, providing proper spinal positioning and relieving pressure on sensitive areas.

Orthopedic mattresses have many benefits, including improved sleep quality, reduced back pain, better posture, and less morning stiffness. Additionally, orthopedic mattresses can help to improve circulation and reduce tossing and turning throughout the night.

They come in various forms and materials, but they all aim at doing one thing–providing extra cushioning that can help relieve pressure points or discomfort while providing optimal alignment & stability while you sleep.

How to look for a good orthopedic mattress?

When choosing an orthopedic mattress, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that the mattress is right for you. A chiropractor or orthopedic doctor can help you select the best orthopedic mattress for your individual needs. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an orthopedic mattress:

– Make sure the mattress is medium-firm, not too soft, or too firm.

– Consult a healthcare professional to ensure the mattress is right for you.

– Choose a mattress that is comfortable and provides support for your spine.

An orthopedic specialist will often consider specific factors like sleep position, health conditions, and weight when making recommendations.

In addition to consulting with a healthcare professional, trying out the mattress in person is essential. Lie down on it in your usual sleep position, and spend at least 15 minutes in that position. If you don’t have time to lie down in the store, ask if you can take the mattress for a test run at home.

How do you know if you need an orthopedic mattress?

As a back pain specialist, I recommend an orthopedic mattress to anyone who values comfort and great sleep. I would also recommend orthopedic mattresses to people who suffer from back pain, as they can provide much-needed support and relief.

Back pain is something you want to avoid, not treat. Luckily, in my experience, the fundamental goal of an excellent orthopedic mattress is to be comfortable. When you can sleep comfortably, your muscles relax, giving your body time to recover by providing support for the spine, neck, and hips. This support helps to reduce muscle tension and pain throughout the body.

There are many different orthopedic mattress options on the market, so it is essential to do your research before purchasing one. You should also consult a chiropractor or other musculoskeletal specialist to determine if an orthopedic mattress is right for you.

Sources:

Marin, Raul, Tamara Cyhan, and Wendy Miklos. “Sleep disturbance in patients with chronic low back pain.” American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 85.5 (2006): 430-435.

Song, Sora. “Debunking the myth of the firm mattress.” Time 162.21 (2003): 83-83.

Wangkanai, Puvisit. “The physiological properties of a mattress made of foam and latex material.” (2010).

Votrubec, Radek. “Orthopedic mattress with variable stiffness and latex pneumatic elements.” (2018).

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