It’s not uncommon for our chiropractors at City Chiropractic Clinic in Stoke to hear patients tell them that they suffer back pain after a night’s sleep. This is not surprising as research undertaken by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) shows that a large proportion of people who suffer back pain said that it could be brought on by a night’s sleep.
Some patients report that back pain affects the quality of their sleep. This is concerning as good quality sleep is a key ingredient to overall good health and wellbeing. While we sleep our body is at work performing vital tasks. These tasks include healing damaged tissue, removing toxins and balancing hormones.
Often our chiropractors find that these patients are sleeping on old or poor quality mattresses that don’t provide the necessary support to help ensure a good night’s sleep.
Is Your Mattress Supporting You?
It’s generally advised that a mattress should be changed every 7 to 10 years. However, this will vary depending on many factors. If your mattress is older than 7 to 10 years, you may want to consider changing it. Some common indicators that your mattress may not be providing the support you require are:
- Waking up with aches and pains
- Experiencing poor quality sleep
- The mattress is visibly sagging and body indentation is permanently visible
- Experiencing little support with the mattress sinking
- Feeling the springs through the mattress
Tips For Choosing The Right Mattress For You From Our Stoke Chiro
As you spend one third of your life in bed, that’s approximately 20,000 hours over a seven year period, it makes sense to choose your mattress carefully. Choosing a mattress is a personal choice and it is advisable that you spend time to choose it.
Our Stoke chiropractor offers these tips for choosing a mattress that is right for you.
Always Keep Your Personal Preferences In Mind
It’s important to remember that choosing a mattress is not a case of one-size-fits-all. Your goal will be to find a mattress that you find comfortable and provides plenty of support for your spine.
Involve Your Partner
If you sleep with a partner, then the mattress needs to be right for both of you. You may have different needs and may need to consider buying two single mattresses that zip together so you both get the support that you need.
Look For A Mattress That Provides Support For Your Body
The best mattress for you is the one that provides support for your body. As a guide, your spine should be parallel to the mattress when you are lying on your side. Have your partner, or someone else, check that this is the case when you are lying on the mattress.
Visit A Reputable Store
Visit a reputable store that offers a wide selection of mattresses that you can try out in the store.
Try Before You Buy
There are an increasing number of mattress sellers, especially ones online, that will allow you to try your mattress for a period of time and return them the mattress isn’t right for you.
Consider Support And Quality Vs Price and Discounts
Avoid buying solely based on price and discounts. If the mattress does not provide you with the support that’s right for you then it’s probably not going to make you happy in the long run regardless of how cheap it is!
When you have found a mattress that provides the support that’s right for you then look carefully at the construction quality and the value the mattress provides. Remember that this mattress will be in your home for at least seven years and can have a dramatic impact on your health.
Tips For Avoiding Back Problems While You Sleep
Stretch Before Going To Bed
Do a few simple stretches before going to bed, especially if you have been sitting for a long time. A chiropractor, or other qualified medical practitioner, will be able to advise on stretches that are suitable for you and your condition.
Sleep Position
Lying on your side is better than lying on your front, for example, with your head twisted to one side. Vary your sleep position to avoid being in one position for too long which can overload the stress on your joints. You may want to try sleeping with a pillow between your knees.
Your Pillow
When you are lying on your side your spine should be parallel to the mattress. Make sure your pillow supports your head so that it continues the parallel line.
Try Separate Beds For A While
If your partner moves around a lot while asleep, their movement could be aggravating your back condition. Try sleeping in separate beds for a while and see if this helps.
Avoid dehydration
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause muscle ache and even cramp.
Getting up
Sit up gradually and use your arms to push yourself up. Once out of bed, let your back wake up gradually. Warm up slowly, walk around a little and avoid bending or any sudden or strenuous movement straight away.
Visiting our Stoke Chiropractors
If you are suffering back pain or discomfort our chiropractic team at City Chiropractic Clinic in Stoke are here to help you. To make book an appointment, call us on 01782 848 184 or book online on our website here.