The best furniture for back pain
If you suffer from a condition that causes back pain, then getting a good night's sleep can seem like the Holy Grail. For many people, night times are spent constantly shifting to try and find a position that's comfortable, sustainable and that will let them wake in the morning feeling truly relaxed and rested. Finding the best furniture for back pain to alleviate existing conditions, rather than making them worse, is key.
Similarly, as well as making existing aches and pains worse, choosing the wrong bed, mattress and/or pillows for your needs can actually be the cause of new back pain. Read on for a guide to what makes night time back pain worse, and how to choose the best furniture to relieve or prevent it from happening.
What causes back pain at night?
Night time back pain can be caused by a whole host of different things. For some, it's conditions like arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis - conditions where the back pain is caused by an illness and needs to be managed.
For others, back pain at night can actually be caused by the act of sleeping itself. If you're sleeping on a bed and mattress that aren't suitable for your individual needs - your size, your weight, your sleeping position and more - it's not unusual for back pain to develop as a result.
More and more professional settings are realising the importance of good back care at night, choosing care home mattresses, hospital mattresses and various sturdy commercial beds for hotels and other environments that are designed for a great, pain-free night's sleep. With settings such as these making a concerted effort to source the best furniture for back pain, there's no reason why you can't do the same at home.
In some cases, a regular, off-the-shelf solution might work. For other people, there's the option of bespoke, made to measure beds and mattresses, giving you a solution that truly meets your own individual needs.
How your choice of mattress can make a difference
Could your current mattress be making your back pain worse? If your mattress is too firm, you may find that it is putting too much pressure on the part of your back that is hurting.
If your mattress is too soft, you may not be giving your spine the level of support that it needs at night, increasing the amount of time that it's in an unhealthy position and making your back pain worse.
Of course, the issue could also be that your mattress is simply too old, and that the amount of support it gives has decreased over time.
So, how do you know which type of mattress is right for you? Many people with lower back pain find that a medium-firm mattress gives them the level of support and comfort that they need - and memory foam can make a big difference, too: moulding to the shape of your spine to give great support from top to bottom. However, there are plenty of things you should bear in mind when choosing a new mattress to alleviate back pain.
Product: Coral Pocket 2000 Mattress
How to choose the best furniture for back pain
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to buying a mattress to reduce back pain - what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. However, there are various factors to bear in mind.
The physical make-up of the mattress
Different mattresses have varying numbers and positioning of their springs, are made using different materials and come in different thicknesses. Some have a memory foam topper, some can be turned to extend their longevity while others can't, some are designed specifically as heavy-duty mattresses, perfect for professional settings where durability is key.
Whatever your needs, it's important to understand all of the components of the mattresses you're considering so that you can make an informed decision as to which is best.
The level of back support
Too soft, and you'll not have enough support. Too firm, and any existing back pain could be intensified. Choose a mattress that aligns perfectly with the muscles and curves of your spine.
The right level of comfort
Support is one thing, but comfort is just as important. Even the most supportive of mattresses won't create a satisfactory, pain-free night's sleep if it's not comfortable. Your mattress needs to be equally as comfortable for other pressure points - like your shoulders and hips - as well as for your spine.
Personal preference
While it's all very well to say "a medium-firm mattress is generally the best choice for those with back pain", it may not always be true. You might personally prefer a firmer or a softer option. One way to establish which level of firmness and mattress construction work best is to look at how you sleep and how your back feels when you sleep in places other than your own bed, such as overnight stay's at a friend's house, or at a hotel.
Choosing the right bed frame
Whether it's a bed for home use or contract beds for professional settings - from adult bunk beds to hospital or care home options - the right bed frame can make just as much difference as the mattress. Choose a bed frame that fully supports your mattress as it is designed to be supported. If your mattress doesn't sit properly, you may well find that the level of comfort it gives isn't high enough, and your sleep quality will be compromised.
Choosing the right mattress and bed frame to alleviate back pain need not be a struggle - the important thing is knowing what will help in your own personal situation. If you're looking for advice on the best solution for your needs, contact us at Reinforced Beds to find out how we can help.