Back pain. Ugh, is there anything worse than unexplained back pain that just goes on for months? (I know, there are a lot of things like cancer, paralysis, PTSD, Huntington’s Disease etc., but stay with me here).
I woke up a few days ago with a pinched nerve in my back, which is keeping me from moving my head, lifting my arm, and, according to my family, it’s also keeping me from being even slightly pleasant to be around. I don’t know what I did to it, I sleep on a great mattress, and I don’t remember lifting anything that was especially cumbersome. There was no crack, no pop, no immediate stabbing pain. I just woke up and tried to get out of bed, and saw stars.
But this post really isn’t about me; it’s about you (as in the 248 million people that have had back pain in America). My own back pain just got me thinking about what we are all doing to ourselves, and how intricate (and delicate) our bodies are. I was forwarded this awesome infographic from www.top-nursing-programs.com a while ago, and my own recent back agony brought it back to memory. Check it out:
There is a ton of great info listed here which everyone can use, regardless of current back pain or not. I realized that I am not sitting right, and while my sleeping posture is perfect (of course), I should probably beef up my core with Pilates, and get back into yoga. When I can move my neck, of course.
Now we all know that I can’t actually make it all the way through a post without bringing up mattresses, since this is a mattress blog and all. I have been scouring the internet for the past few days doing research on a different but related article about herniated discs, and would like to share that info, since I really believe that it applies to all back pain:
- Try memory foam. It fills in your lumbar region, you will toss and turn less, your circulation will improve, and it helps keep your body in its natural, aligned position. If you’re concerned about getting out of it, try a Comforpedic (which is quicker reaction than most others), in a firmer feel such as the Advanced Rest.
- Adjustable beds aren’t just for hospitals. You can lift your feet a little and take the pressure off of your lower back. We usually pair ours with memory foam beds, but you can use any Beautyrest, latex, or most air mattresses.
- If you MUST have an innerspring, go for medium firm with excellent lumbar support, like a Beautyrest Luxury Firm, or maybe an iMattress XS1.
Remember, I am not a doctor, and should not be considered an expert in back pain or what may be the best for your back. However, I can tell you that I sleep on memory foam, and usually have no back pain whatsoever.
Another big thanks to www.top-nursing-programs.com for the infographic, and for showing me how my computer hunched ways may be further damaging my back. Keep ‘em coming!