According to the American Chiropractic Association, 31 million Americans suffer from lower back pain. Back pain is the biggest cause of physical disability, the leading reason for missed work and the second most common reason that people visit a doctor. With so many people experiencing lower back pain so frequently, it’s no surprise that many are seeking comfort and relief wherever they can find it.
For many years, it was believed that a firm mattress was the best option for chronic back pain. At its height, nearly three out of every four orthopedic doctors recommended a firm mattress. In recent years, however, that opinion has gradually shifted – if only slightly – in favor of medium-firm mattresses.
According to chiropractor George McClelland, DC, “Traditionally, what we have recommended is that a moderately-firm [mattress] works best, or when using a firm mattress, you should add a 1½- to 2-inch thick padding on top of it.” Investigating this viewpoint, a group of researchers in Spain conducted a study by replacing the bedding of 313 subjects with a history of backaches. They found that, on average, subjects provided with medium-firm bedding suffered less pain in bed and, more importantly, less pain during the day.
Of course, when it comes to personal comfort, there is no one-size-fits-all mattress. Selecting a new mattress is often a process of trial and error, a search for that ideal mattress, one that strikes a perfect balance between comfort and support. This approach mirrors modern advice given to comfort-seekers who suffer from lower back pain… it’s not enough to simply research a mattress, you need to test it, understand the support it provides and determine whether or not you are comfortable on it.
At Mattress Mart, we understand that finding the perfect bed can be challenging. We offer a wide selection of firm and medium-firm mattresses – along with countless others – as well as carrying a full line of the always popular Therapeutic bedding. So if you suffer from backaches, lower back or neck pain, we encourage you to drop by our showroom to let one of our seasoned sales associates guide you through the selection process. We promise that you won’t find a wider selection or a more experienced staff anywhere else!