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If you find yourself regularly waking up in the mornings with unexplained back pain, your mattress may be to blame. Your bed might feel comfortable—but that doesn’t mean it’s supporting a healthy spine. Here’s how a mattress affects your back health and what you can do to ensure you buy a good one.

How Your Mattress Causes Back Pain

A good mattress supports your back. If it’s too soft, it will sag and create a “hammock” effect. This creates an abnormal curve in the vertebrae of the spine, leading to back pain. If the mattress is too hard, it will fail to conform to the body’s movement, resulting in only the shoulders and pelvis being supported. The part of the back between these two points has no choice but to droop, curving the spine into an unnatural S-shape.

back painIf you find yourself waking up with aches and pains, it’s time to invest in a new, good quality mattress. Signs it’s time to upgrade include sagging, a visible “dent” where your body lies, and tossing and turning due to discomfort. 

What to Look for in a Good Mattress

Most people do best with a “medium-firm” mattress. The aim is to provide sufficient support that allows for a straight spine and evenly stacked vertebrae. When shopping, don’t be shy about testing your options. Consider innovative options, such as memory foam, as well as traditional spring models. Take off your shoes in the store and lie down on different models in various positions, especially those you normally sleep in. 

 

If you need back pain relief, Smith Chiropractic Clinic in Concord, NC, can help. This clinic is headed by Dr. Andy Smith, who was driven to become a chiropractor after experiencing a serious neck injury of his own. He and his team provide compassionate, gentle care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Their skill has earned them many long-time patients—as their online testimonials show. For an appointment, call (704) 788-3126. 

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