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