The source of back pain can be hard to pinpoint. It often comes from several factors. However, if back pain occurs every time you get out of bed and then leaves during the day, it’s likely not a coincidence. Maybe it’s your mattress. The signs listed below will determine if it’s time to order a mattress replacement.
Age
Generally, you must purchase a new mattress every five to ten years due to age and deterioration, regardless of whether the mattress is causing back pain. A mattress is in pristine condition the first time and deteriorates in quality afterward. To determine if the mattress’ age is a back pain factor, remember the day when you purchased the mattress and compare it with today’s date.
Sagging
While sleeping, the spine must remain straight to alleviate or eliminate back pain. A sagging mattress causes back pain because it messes with the spine’s alignment, causing it to curve up and down. A sagging mattress affects back muscles and blood circulation. Downward craters or dips in the mattress are a sign of sagging. If the craters or dips aren’t noticeable, lay a ruler or stick across the bed. Stick your hand underneath the ruler/stick without moving the board or pressing the mattress down. An aging bed over eight years is likely to contain sagging.
Lumps
A lumpy mattress comes from once-firm springs that lost its springiness with repeated use. Over time, the springs poke upward, causing lumps in the bed. Since lumps poke out, your back may rest on top of the lump, pushing down a bedspring that doesn’t want to stay down. Not surprisingly, this causes back pain. Most bedsprings are sharp and pointy, too, causing a disturbance in sleep. This forces you to rotate the mattress to a comfortable position away from the lumpy part instead of purchasing a new mattress.
Comfort
The right bed is a mix of softness and firmness. Firmness maintain the mattress’s shape while softness makes the bed comfortable. A mattress too soft sinks the body downward, putting too much pressure on the spine to keep the body afloat. It also causes bad sleep posture. A mattress too firm feels like a brick. With no softness for comfort, the firm bed pushes on the spine, causing discomfort all night.
If you ignore these signs, the mattress will continue to deteriorate and your back pain will worsen. A new mattress causes less stress, reduces back pain, and offers better sleep. Put your back first: Visit a furniture store and buy a new mattress so you can sleep without pain.