If you see a Grand Rapids MI chiropractor regularly, you may have already had a conversation about the importance of sleeping on the right mattress. The best mattress can improve sleep, can relieve back pain, and can prevent back pain episodes in the future. When you’re searching for a new mattress that helps prevent back pain there are a couple of important things to consider: firmness and the type of mattress. Regardless of the mattress you choose, a chiropractor will recommend one that contours to the curves of your body for ideal alignment.

From firm mattresses, latex mattresses, motion transfer, and memory foam, to hybrid beds, there are several types of mattresses to choose from that can help your spine to maintain alignment and prevent sleep disturbances and back pain throughout the day and night.

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Best Mattress Types for Avoiding Upper and Lower Back Pain In Grand Rapids MI

The wrong mattress can cause upper and lower back pain. The mattress you choose can play a major role in improving the quality of your sleep and controlling the way you feel every morning after you wake up. Sleeping on the wrong mattress night after night can cause the spine to lose its natural alignment, straining the muscles, resulting in ongoing back pain. A mattress that provides the right support can help the spine to maintain a neutral position, preventing a sore back.

You'll come across mattress toppers that claim they can improve sleep quality, luxury firm mattresses that feature steel coils, memory foam that contours to the shape of your body, and more. There are so many options available, it can be difficult to choose a mattress that works for you, your sleep position, and one that can provide the support you need to alleviate your back pain.

When you shop for a mattress, consider your preferred sleeping position, the different quality materials available, body type and body shape, and other factors, such as whether a mattress is covered by a lifetime warranty, and what's available in your price range.

Below, you’ll find the best types of mattresses to prevent back pain, help maintain spinal alignment, and prevent back pain in the future.

Firm Mattress

Mattress firmness matters. The spine has three curves, all of which need support, even when in the sleeping position. Firmer mattresses can provide the support many back pain sufferers need. There are many firmness options to choose from.

A mattress with the right firmness will hold the body in a neutral position, allowing the spine to hold the slight natural curve, while the heels, shoulders, buttocks, and head are aligned. A firm mattress is often the top choice for people with back pain, while a softer mattress cannot provide the support needed. Medium firm mattresses can also provide support for mild back pain and stiffness.

Keep in mind, a firm mattress can worsen pain for people suffering from arthritis.

Memory Foam

A memory foam mattress can promote proper spine alignment. This type of mattress features a responsive surface and conforms and contours to the curves of the body, providing superior conforming comfort and quality sleep. The mattress material consists of memory foam layers that uniformly distribute the weight, keeping the spine aligned in every sleep position. Because of this, a memory foam mattress is recommended by chiropractors for back pain sufferers. Memory foam can also provide relief for hip pain, neck pain, and chronic joint pain. While a thick layer of memory foam can provide pain relief in sensitive areas, hot sleepers may struggle to find comfort since this material can cause excessive sweating for some.

Hybrid Mattress

The hybrid design consists of a comfortable surface, and high-quality, durable materials. A hybrid mattress combines a comfort layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted material, latex, or memory foam with support coils. The comfort layer, combined with the metal coils can create sturdy foam layers and a mattress that offers the perfect firmness, promoting proper spinal alignment. The hybrid option is often available at a reasonable price, compared to memory foam and can help maintain proper alignment of the spine.

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How Do I Know If My Mattress Is Causing Back Pain?

Serious chronic back pain requires a trip to the chiropractor’s office to identify the root cause. But if your back feels much better after you’ve been up for a while, your mattress may be to blame.

Other signs that your mattress is causing back pain can include:

• You wake up with back pain
• You have a difficult time getting comfortable in bed
• You wake up several times during the night
• It feels like you’re always about to roll off the bed
• Your mattress is visibly saggy
• You feel almost like you’re sleeping on a board
• Your mattress has lumps
• Your mattress is over seven years old
• You feel exhausted when you wake up, even when you’ve slept seven to eight hours
• Your back pain starts to fade in the morning as you move around

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What Type of Mattress Do Doctors Recommend?

If you suspect your mattress is to blame for your back pain, it’s important to speak with your chiropractor. They can recommend a mattress with a firmness that will work with your sleep habits. While the right firmness or comfort level of a mattress often boils down to personal preference, chiropractors recommend firm mattresses that support the spinal curvatures and keep the spine aligned. At The Chiropractic Doctors, we can meet with you to discuss what the right type of firmness level is for you, what type of mattress will work based on your sleeping style, and how regular spinal adjustments can help treat and prevent back pain in the future.

The right supportive mattress can also help with chronic shoulder pain, neck pain, hip pain, joint pain, and leg pain. Choosing the perfect mattress can take some trial and error considering there are a wide range of mattresses available. If you’re not sure which type of mattress will meet your needs and prevent back pain, contact The Chiropractic Doctors today to learn how we can help.

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Contact The Chiropractic Doctors Today to Schedule an Appointment

The right mattress can make you feel amazing the next morning. If you aren’t able to find a mattress that suits you, or you don’t want to waste time and money trying to find the perfect mattress on your own, contact The Chiropractic Doctors today to schedule an appointment. We can meet with you, conduct an exam, and identify what is causing your back pain and determine if your mattress is to blame. If it is, we can discuss options and help you choose the perfect mattress that can improve your sleep quality and reduce or eliminate your ongoing back pain. Contact us today to learn more.

Call our office to book your next appointment, and discover why The Chiropractic Doctors are consistently rated 5 stars by your neighbors!