There are many things that can cause you to have back pain. Some of them include back strain from improper lifting or lifting something that’s too heavy.
Using improper posture, being inactive for a long time and continually bending over.
Some diseases cause back pain as well, for instance, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, disk degeneration, herniated disk.
Sometimes back pain’s caused by something as simple as our sleeping habits.
If your mattress is too hard, or soft, or if you’re in the habit of using a lot of pillows, you are quite likely to have back pain in the morning.
Occasionally it’s not what we sleep on, but the way we sleep that causes us trouble. So what type of mattress is the best to use?
How many pillows do you need? What position is best for your back? You’ll find answers all of these questions, in the following article.
How do our back and spine work?
Our back is made up of muscles, tendons ligaments, and a spinal column. The spinal cord contains disks that move around as we move.
Above and below each disk lies cartilage. This soft tissue is like the disk’s pillow, it cushions it from the one above and below it, so they won’t rub together.
The spinal cord is further protected from shock and damage by the spinal fluid and the myelin sheath, or outer layer around the spinal cord.
These three things protect the nerves that run along the spinal cord, inside a hollow tube called the spinal canal.
When you put yourself in a particular position like stooping over for a long period of time your back will adjust its tendon, ligament joints and muscles to that particular position, so you are able to feel comfortable.
When you move from that stance, your back has to try and quickly readjust itself.
This can sometimes take a minute or two, depending on body mechanics and how long you were in that position. This readjustment is what causes the muscles to become stiff.
How do I know if my pain is caused by the way I sleep?
If you seem to start feeling the pain right after you lay down for the night, then chances are there are other things that are causing your back to hurt. Probably something you’ve done during the day.
See your pain will become more intense when you lay down because the inflammation and swelling caused by daily activity have greatly increased by then.
Another thing that makes the pain appear to be worse at night is your mind isn’t distracted by other things, so the pain messages are able to take center stage.
If after a few hours of lying down you start having pain, or you notice that you’re hurting when you first get out of bed, and if the pain decreases as the day progresses, then chances are the pain is caused by the way you sleep. This type of pain usually occurs in your neck or your lower back.
Side by Side
Research shows that the best sleep position, that doesn’t cause you pain is sleeping on your side. It’s suggested to alternate sides during the night.
If you sleep on your back the pillows can cause your neck to be out of alignment, which can cause neck pain. Lying on your back also compresses the spine.
Sleeping on your stomach you will have stiffness in your neck and your lumbar region of your back from the increased curvature you’re causing your body to conform to.
You will also have a stiff neck from lying with your head turned in direction for a long time. Studies show that sleeping on your stomach’s the main cause for torticollis.
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So when does the mattress have to go?
Mattresses lose their ability to support your weight, as they begin to wear down. This is especially true with an innerspring mattress.
Research has shown that an innerspring mattress will lose a lot of its supporting ability after 4 years.
So it’s suggested to replace innerspring every four years. Latex is a good alternative. It holds its firmness longer than the innerspring mattresses.
If you’re buying a pillow top with foam know that the foam will lose its shape within a few months. So it’s wise to buy a pillow top that contains latex instead of foam.
I know it may seem comfortable now, but think about how it will do over time. When choosing a mattress, make sure it isn’t too soft, or too hard. When you lay down, the mattress should support you enough that your body’s asymmetrical.
Pillow Talk
Pillows are just as important as the mattress you sleep on. It too should have enough support for your head and neck that it keeps your spine in proper alignment.
If the pillow is too much, you’ll feel like your head is raised up and if it isn’t enough, you’ll feel like your head is hanging down.
Either one will be a pain in your neck, in the morning. So choose a pillow that gives your head and neck the adequate support it needs.
Of course, soft pillows are nice and can be used if your head doesn’t sink too far down into it. Like a good mattress, it too needs to be replaced when it loses its stamina.
More pleasure less pain
There are many things that can cause back pain. Some of them include; activities, infection, injury improper lifting and poor posture. Some spinal diseases can cause your back to hurt as well,
A lot of the time it’s our sleep habits that cause our back pain. This is especially true if your pain begins after you laid down a few hours, or you notice the pain when you first get up, in the morning.
This soreness will usually disappear as the day progresses when you become active. Sleeping on pillows and a mattress that supports your spine and sleeping on your side should cure your morning agony.
