Your bedroom could be a major contributor to your occasional or chronic back pain.
Let’s look at your mattress first. We spend about a third of our lives in bed — so you need a mattress that supports your back properly!
- Are you waking up sore every morning? It’s time for a new mattress.
- Is your mattress saggy or lumpy? Do you have a mattress that’s more than seven years old? Time to shop around for a new mattress.
- When you’re shopping, take your time. Lie on the mattress in your usual sleeping position for at least ten minutes to really tell whether or not you’re comfortable.
- Shopping for an inner spring mattress? Look for a coil count of 400 or above for a queen mattress and 480 or higher for a king mattress. The higher the coil count, the more durable your inner spring mattress will be.
- Ask about a test drive. Many mattress retailers will let you try out a mattress for a few weeks — or even months! It will take several nights to know if you’ve got a winner on your hands.
Need a quick fix for a squishy, saggy mattress, but you’re not ready for a new one? Pick up a sheet of three-quarter inch plywood at the local hardware store or home improvement warehouse and slip it between the mattress and box spring.
Your pillows might be to blame for your back and neck pain, too. If your pillows are too high or too flat, you might be in for some aches. When you sleep, you want to keep your ear, shoulder, and hip in a line — no matter what position you’re in. For back sleepers, an extra pillow under your knees and lower back can help. For side sleepers, try putting a flat pillow between your knees. If you like to sleep on your stomach, a pillow underneath your hips can help ease the aches.