Did you know that 80 percent of people experience back pain in their lifetime? If an ice pack, hot pad, or change of your exercise routine isn’t alleviating your back pain, it might be time to look at other treatment measures.
That also means checking out your bed to see if it’s the underlying cause of your pain. Too often, patients come into our chiropractic office to get treated for back pain, and they tell us that they sleep on a soft bed.
Soft beds are cozy and comfortable, but sleeping on something that’s overly soft can misalign your spine. Also, if your mattress is too hard, you’re more likely to have joint problems in the hips, which can affect your lower back.
So, what qualities should you look for in a mattress (and pillow) to help keep back pain far, far away? And what are the best pillow and best mattresses for back pain? We’re here to explain.
Best Mattress for Back Pain: What to Look for in a Mattress and Pillow to Prevent Back Pain
If you’re prone to back pain, your mattress and pillow can make a world of difference. Many people assume that a firm mattress is the key to getting rid of and preventing back pain, but that’s not exactly true.
In fact, while there are some best practices for choosing a mattress, the best mattress can truly vary from person to person. After all, what you might feel is comfortable might not apply to the next person. (That’s why when you search for the “best mattress for back pain in 2022,” you come up with so many different lists!)
The same goes for your pillow. There are many materials that can help with your neck pain and back pain, but your comfort is essential as well.
What to Look for in a Pillow to Prevent Neck and Back Pain
First, ask yourself: do you have a lot of neck pain on top of back pain? If so, your pillow can help with that. Most of us spend eight hours a night sleeping on a pillow and having something comfortable and the right shape and size are vital to neck pain and back pain prevention. That means: make sure that your pillow is the right size for you (not too big and not too small).
Next, look for a pillow that adequately supports your neck. You might have noticed that you wake up a lot with a sore neck when you use the pillow you’ve had for years. This could be because your pillow has flattened over time or has become uneven, which can put your neck in an odd position at night and hurt your back.
The best neck pillows are firm in that they can help keep the head in a comfortable position but also fluffy enough that they don’t add tension or too much pressure on your neck. Some great pillow materials include memory foam, feathers, and buckwheat.
Our Recommendations for the Best Pillows
Here are some ideas for pillows that can help with pain in the neck and back:
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
- GhostBed GhostPillow – Memory Foam
- Uttu Sandwich Pillow
- Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow
- Dormeo Dark Pillow
- EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow
- Silk & Snow Pillow
- Coop Home Goods Premium Eden Pillow
- The Purple Pillow
- Layla Sleep Kapok Pillow
What to Look for in a Mattress to Prevent Back Pain
One of the most important features of a mattress is the material. Memory foam and latex tend to be the best materials for back pain. Why? They mold to your body, which can help your spine stay in alignment and not add unnecessary pressure on your body.
The right mattress will help you feel comfortable at night and support your back, which can decrease the chance of pain between the lower and upper back, as well as the rest of your body. That means that while we can provide several tips for the best mattresses for back pain, trying out the mattress yourself is key before buying.
Lay on the mattress if you can to see if it feels comfortable. If it doesn’t feel comfortable or supportive of your back at the moment, you probably aren’t going to be comfortable when you’re sleeping.
Another thing to look for is a medium-to-firm mattress. This can give you the right amount of cushion where the mattress conforms to your body but also doesn’t push your spine out of place.
Again, though, check out the mattress before buying to make sure that firmness feels comfortable to you. Many stores offer great return policies that can give you a chance to make sure the mattress meets your needs.
Our Recommendations for the Best Mattresses for Back Pain
Want a soft or firm mattress for lower back pain? Looking for the best mattress for back pain as a side sleeper? How about the best mattress for back pain on a budget? The list below has a little of everything:
- Helix Twilight Mattress
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Medium Mattress
- Saatva Classic Mattress
- Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress
- DreamCloud Mattress
- Luxury Firm WinkBed
- Layla Memory Foam Mattress
- Bear Hybrid Mattress
- Purple Hybrid Mattress
- GhostBed Classic
We can help with your pain.
Just as your mattress and pillow can cause your back pain, they can just as quickly alleviate it. And so can chiropractic care!
Here at Summit Chiropractic and Sports Institute, we offer a number of safe, gentle modalities to realign your spine and get both your neck and back feeling their best again.
Not only will we ensure your comfort from the beginning of the session to the end, but we’ll also ask questions to get to the bottom of your pain and help give your body the necessary tools to start healing.
Even if you get the best mattress for back pain and top it off with a new pillow, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your local chiropractor.
If you need the best treatment for back pain or neck pain, Summit Chiropractic and Sports Institute have you covered. Contact us now to set up your appointment. We’re here to help.