People who suffer from back and neck pain, particularly when it’s chronic, look to many sources to relieve their discomfort. One question that is frequently asked is whether the purchase of a special mattress will help to manage back and neck pain.
Since we spend a large amount of time sleeping, a poor mattress can really impact your back and neck—causing pain or worsening existing problems. Some mattresses don’t provide enough support (too soft), while others can hurt our back for being too rigid.
What’s interesting is that different people have different preferences, making the question of “Which mattress is best?” difficult to answer. It depends.
In fact, many people find mattresses with adjustable pressure to be very comfortable. These mattresses, although expensive, tend to alleviate neck and back pain, providing more restful sleep.
Another popular mattress for back pain relief is called a graduated density mattress. These mattresses start soft on the top and gradually get firmer as you sink in, giving the best of both worlds.
If you do choose to purchase a special mattress, it’s important to keep the following points in mind:
- Try out the mattress prior to purchasing;
- Consider one that has a 30-day or longer “test” period; and
- Try different sleep positions to ensure that all are comfortable.
While purchasing a high-quality, special mattress can help support back and neck health, we can also work with you to develop an exercise plan that helps to reduce pain in these areas. Some helpful ways to address back and neck pain include:
- Strengthening exercises;
• Gentle stretching; and
• Aerobic conditioning.
Daily stretching can help relieve stiffness and discomfort in the back and neck areas. It’s recommended to first warm up the muscles with a brief walk or similar form of activity before stretching. Although stretching can be done daily, try to schedule your exercises so that strengthening and aerobic exercises are done on alternate days.
We can work with you to construct a regimen that relieves back and neck pain and improves function primarily through exercise. A special, supportive mattress is a perfect complement to sustain your maintenance plan for a more pain-free lifestyle.
Did you know that Physical Therapy can help you sleep better?
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