How To Choose The Best Mattress For Upper Back Pain

Updated 3 days ago
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Upper back pain can seriously upend your life. And an inferior mattress only makes matters worse. You can find relief by purchasing a new mattress that offers better lumbar support, comes at the correct firmness level, and is made out of the best materials so that you can get relief at night.

5 ways your current mattress is causing upper back pain

Old, sagging mattresses can create significant discomfort. If you're already prone to upper back pain, then a failing mattress only makes it worse.

1. Mattress feels saggy or lumpy

Over time, mattresses lose their firmness. You may feel your body dipping too deeply into the mattress. This tends to happen around the 10-year mark, so if your mattress is old, then it may be time for a new one.

2. Tossing and turning at night

You may not notice any sagging, but you're moving around the bed more often than usual. This is a sign your body can't get comfortable. This can throw your spine out of alignment, worsening any back pain you already have.

3. Needing a long time to go to sleep

Many people lie in bed for hours trying to get comfortable enough to sleep. This prevents you from getting the 7 to 8 hours of sleep you need nightly. And this could all be caused by an inferior mattress.

4. Feeling drowsy during the day

Not getting enough sleep means you feel tired and groggy during the day. This prevents you from paying attention as well or doing your job efficiently. Extreme drowsiness, particularly in the morning when you should have the most energy, is a bad sign.

5. Experiencing stiffness upon waking up

Your back may not necessarily feel painful. But if it's stiff and you have a hard time walking around, then that's just as bad. Over time, this stiffness can lead to chronic pain.

What are ways I can treat my upper back pain?

There are certain lifestyle changes you can make when you frequently suffer from upper back pain. Talk to a doctor if the pain gets out of control. But first, you should see if you can get relief from these actions.

  • Get a relaxing massage
  • Invest in a mattress that offers lumbar support
  • Practice gentle stretches
  • Apply an ice pack

How to choose the right mattress for your back

Many mattresses are designed for those with back pain in mind. But, there are a few key features you're going to want for your next mattress.

Choose one with excellent lumbar support

The lumbar region of the spine refers to 5 vertebrae situated in the lower back. Lumbar support is found in furniture and mattresses designed to give those vertebrae the support they need, so they don't ache over time. A mattress with lumbar support cradles your spine, ensuring that it stays properly aligned all night long. This prevents you from waking up with any pain.

Choose one with the right firmness for your sleeping position

Most people tend to sleep on a certain area of the body, whether it's the side, stomach, or back. Many mattresses tend to come with adjustable firmness levels between 1 and 10 where 1 is the least firm and 10 is the firmest. You need to know which firmness level is suitable for your sleep style to purchase the right mattress for you. For example, stomach sleepers need firmer mattresses that are at least a 7 or 8.

Choose a type of mattress that's right for you

Finally, you need to look at the materials your mattress is made out of. Common materials include memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid. Memory foam contours to your body while latex tends to be a bit firmer. However, innerspring mattresses are often most recommended for people with back issues.

The #1 Best Mattress For Back Pain

Saatva is our top pick for the #1 best mattress for Back Pain in 2023! They're a luxury hypoallergenic mattress shipped directly to your door (with full-service white-glove delivery). They have over 50,000 reviews and continue to be one of the most reputable, established brands in the industry (founded in 2009). Check their price, here.

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