21 August 2017
 Categories: , Blog

Back pain can be seriously debilitating, affecting your ability to work, exercise and take part in many activities. There are so many potential culprits when it comes to back pain that it can be really tricky to pinpoint exactly what's causing the problem. The wrong type of mattress is one potential culprit, but you want to be pretty certain before you spend a fortune on a new one. Check out the signs that your mattress is causing your discomfort below, before you hit the store.

You Struggle to Fall Asleep  

Struggling to fall asleep or tossing and turning during the night is one key sign that something's wrong with your mattress. If you've recently purchased a new mattress and noticed that you're not getting as much rest as usual, you might have picked the wrong mattress for your body type. Bear in mind that it often takes a week or two to get used to a new bed, but if the pain and discomfort persist past this time, consider changing your mattress, getting it checked for faults, or adding a memory foam topper.

Your Back Pain Occurs Soon After Waking up 

When does your back tend to hurt the most? If it's towards the end of the working day, there might be a problem with your desk chair or your posture while at work. However, if it occurs within the first half an hour after waking up, there's a strong chance your mattress is to blame. Do you find that you need to stretch to ease pain or tightness first thing in the morning? You probably need a better mattress.

Your Back Pain Eases on Holiday 

Ever woken up in a hotel bed feeling like you had the best sleep of your life? Or maybe you noticed that the niggling back pain you normally feel in the morning wasn't there? Feeling much more comfortable when you sleep away from home is one of the clearest signs that there's an issue with your mattress. Try to compare the two beds - do you use a hard mattress at home, versus memory foam on holiday? Is the manufacturer different? Write down all the details you can to get a clear picture of the type of mattress that works best for you.

The wrong mattress can cause serious back pain. It's important to change your mattress every eight years, or more often if you think there's a problem. If the issue persists even after buying a new mattress, see a chiropractor or other medical professional for advice.