What would you think of if someone asked you to guess at one of the most common sources of pain and discomfort? Would you suggest migraines or allergies? Would you suggest toothaches?
Back pain affects most adults at some point during their lives. In fact, it is one of the biggest causes of pain in people under the age of 45 and results in absenteeism from work, as well as other issues. For many people, identifying the causes of back pain can be a stressful process. We use our back every day, and yet the causes of pain and discomfort can often be difficult to recognise, even for doctors and other medical professionals.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can often be mysterious, but in many cases the causes are purely physical and include:
- Being overweight,
- Poor posture,
- Atrophied, underdeveloped, or weak core muscle groups;
- Spinal stenosis,
- Pinched nerves,
- Muscle strains,
- Disease,
- Sleeping on an unsupportive mattress,
- Lack of exercise or too much exercise, and
- Too much sitting or standing.
The potential physical causes are wide and numerous, but sometimes the causes of back pain are also psychological. Recent studies have found that there is a direct correlation between those who suffer from anxiety or depression and their back pain or discomfort.
Addressing Your Back Pain
If you are one of the many millions of people who suffer from back pain, getting to the bottom of it and identifying its origin can be extremely stressful, but the cause may very well be right there in your bedroom. We don’t change our mattresses as often as we should, and a tired, old mattress can cause and even amplify back problems. Fortunately, it is also a problem that can be fixed quite easily.
Many people seek advice about back pain and sleep, but in most situations, the best thing they can do to address it is to buy a new mattress. Of course, not all mattresses are created equally and it is a good idea to talk to a knowledgeable professional before making any purchase. Here are a few things to consider before investing in a new mattress:
- Firmness: Do you want a soft, medium, or hard mattress? Each one provides a different level of support, but in most cases a firmer mattress will provide better support for a bad back, bearing in mind that studies confirm that a medium-firm mattress is best for the relief of back pain.
- Conformability: How well will the new mattress conform to your current body shape? A supportive mattress should support all of the contours of a person’s body equally and promote a natural resting position.
If you suffer from back pain and discomfort, you are likely aware of the fact that it is a debilitating condition that affects both your social life and your working life. While a new mattress may not solve the root of the problem in many cases, it can certainly relieve a lot of pain. In some cases it can even be the primary cause of back pain, so it is well worth it to consider investing in a new mattress that provides comfort, support, and conformability.
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