Climbing into bed at night can be relaxing, but for people with chronic back pain, this isn’t always the case. In fact, lying still for hours on end might aggravate your symptoms. Luckily, by choosing the right type of mattress, you can minimize your discomfort and wake up feeling refreshed. Use the following tips to choose one.

3 Tips for Selecting a Mattress When You Have Chronic Back Pain

1. Consider Your Position

If you’re dealing with chronic pain, you’ll need to find the right combination of support and comfort. For most people with back pain, a medium-firm mattress fits the bill.

However, also consider the position in which you sleep. While medium-firm works best for back sleepers, side sleepers may benefit from a slightly softer option, as the top layers of the mattress need to give way to the curves of the hips and shoulders. Stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer mattress; otherwise, the heaviest parts of the body (the lower back and pelvis) will be lower than the shoulders and legs, contorting the spine into an unnatural alignment. 

2. Choose the Right Material

These days, most mattresses can be divided into two categories: spring and foam. Spring mattresses contain metal coils, which shrink and expand in response to your weight; they generally provide a firmer feel. Memory foam mattresses gently conform to the shape of the body, decreasing pressure on painful joints.

Try out both materials in the store to see which one is more comfortable for you. Also, if your chronic pain is related to an autoimmune condition, make sure the materials used in your mattress are non-toxic. Some synthetic materials can release VOCs that aggravate conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Make Sure You Can Test It Out

If you’re dealing with chronic back pain, it’s essential to take your mattress for a test drive. That means sleeping on it for several nights in a row before making an assessment—not just trying it in the store. Luckily, many mattress companies offer trial periods, where you can return your bed after 30, 60 or 90 days if you’re not happy. Since you may not notice problems in the short-term, buy a mattress from one of these providers. 

If you’re having trouble sleeping due to back pain, contact iSpine Pain Physicians. This Twin Cities-area specialist has locations in Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Chaska, Shakopee, Sartell and Delano, MN. From back injections to chronic pain management programs, you’ll be armed with all the tools you need to live a more comfortable, productive life. Call their Maple Grove location at (763) 201-8191 to make an appointment, and visit the website to learn more about their services.