How To Know If A Mattress Is Causing Back Pain? A Detailed Overview [2024]

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By Jacob G. Turner

Oops! Back pain! It seems really panicky to hear. You may suffer from back pain for different reasons. One of the most unexpected reasons that can cause pain in your back is your mattress. But is your mattress causing back pain? If the answer is yes, then how to know if the mattress is causing back pain? Back discomfort affects millions worldwide and limits daily living. The quality of one’s mattress is a major, yet frequently overlooked, cause of this illness. Overly soft or inflexible mattresses can strain the spine, causing soreness, discomfort, and even permanent disability, which can limit function. Thus, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect the mattress to determine if it is causing back pain and take appropriate measures to treat it. This post discusses how to tell if a mattress is causing back pain and how to treat it and recover control over your life.

Can a Mattress Cause Back Pain?

Yes, a bad mattress can make your back hurt, especially if you already have back problems.

You might not realize it at first, but your mattress can really affect how your back feels. The kind of mattress you sleep on is important for your spine’s health and how comfortable you are.

It’s good to know about this because it can help you choose the right mattress. Having the right mattress can help you sleep better and feel better overall.

Pain in the Back? It Could Be Your Mattress

If you wake up stiff and achy, your mattress may not support your spine. Good mattresses keep your spine in a neutral position, which aligns your spinal cord naturally. If your mattress is overly soft, your spinal cord may sink too deeply, causing misalignment and excruciating pain. If your mattress is too firm, it may not fit to your body’s shape, causing severe pressure spots and constant agony.


If your back discomfort decreases throughout the day but worsens at night, your mattress may be the cause. A bad mattress can make your joints and muscles stiff and tight, causing morning pain. As you move during the day, your muscles may relax and the discomfort may subside.
If you can’t sleep, your mattress may be causing pain and discomfort. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may wake up tired and foggy and lack the energy to function well.

Source: Everyday Health

Discovering the truth if mattresses cause back pain or not:

  • According to the researchers at UCLA Medical, having a mattress too firm or too soft can cause severe back pain, especially in the morning.
  • It is advisable to change the mattress nearly every 8 years. A bed that is older enough is wear and tear that fails to give you enough support while sleeping. According to expert chiropractors, an older mattress with less support can lead to back pain.
  • A bed mattress can limit your movement while sleeping, and in turn, this may keep you turning and tossing on your bed. Without having sound sleep could be a significant reason that can cause back pain.
  • If you find an indentation in your mattress, then sleeping on that can develop back pain. The mattress indentation problem can affect hip and spine flexibility, which causes pain in your back. Here is the full guide on How To Fix Mattress Indentation
  • Having a mattress that is relatively flat, and unforgiving could be a sign that can cause back pain.

Experts’ research and suggestions:

Some studies found that around fifty-six percent (56%) of people suffer from less back pain due to sleeping on a medium-to-firm bed than a softer bed. Usually, you shouldn’t sleep on an older bed. The average life of a mattress should be 8-10 years. Though your mattress seems supportive for a long time, once you feel pain, it is time to change it.

How can I stop my mattress from hurting my back?

Let’s talk about some quick solutions that can give you relief from back pain in the mattress.

Mattresses should be replaced after seven to ten years. Old mattresses can become lumpy and uncomfortable, disrupting your sleep pattern and affecting your health.
The best mattress firmness depends on your body type and personal preference, however most people like a medium-firm mattress. This hardness level supports your spine while following your body’s curves.

Try out numerous mattresses at a store or use a mattress trial period to find the right firmness level for your needs.
If you’re not ready to buy a new mattress, a mattress topper can give support for less. A mattress topper can firm up a soft mattress or soften a firm mattress, depending on your needs.
Mattresses lose firmness over time, thus they should be replaced every 8-10 years to avoid back strain. Upgrading your mattress regularly ensures that your spine and body are supported, enhancing sleep quality and health.

  • Practicing doctors’ recommended exercises and maintaining a healthy diet chart could reduce the pain in your back on the mattress.
  • Choose an adjustable base to place under your bed.
  • You can take the help of a pillow to keep your spine at a level.
  • Go for the best mattress topper that can give pressure relief.

Source: Health Shot

What to Think About When Buying a Mattress?

When you’re looking for a mattress to help with back pain, think about these things:

What It’s Made Of:
Good mattresses are made with strong materials like steel springs or special foam. These help support your body and can make your back feel better.

How It Supports You:
A good mattress should hold your body up well. This lets your muscles relax and helps your back. This is really important if you sleep on your back or if your middle or lower back often hurts.

How It Feels on Your Body:
If you sleep on your side, or if your shoulders or hips hurt, you need a mattress that feels soft in the right places. Some mattresses, like those made with memory foam, are good at this.

Choosing the right mattress can help you sleep better and have less back pain. So take your time and think carefully about what you need.

Conclusion:

Having the right mattress is highly supportive of your spine. But you wake up in the morning and experiencing pain in your back, and then probably you have a mattress problem.

Besides, we’ve discussed some more reasons that help you know how to tell if your mattress causes back pain. In that case, investing in a new bed could be the ideal solution. I hope you have a sound sleep on your mattress without back pain.

Helpful Resource:
Complete Guide: Read our full post- Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain

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