Back pain...recommended mattress?

[Steve1977]

Unsure if this is a right forum to post but my wife has been diagonosed with Hyper Mobility and my understanding is that this makes her suspectable to injuries.

About 11-12 years ago she suffered whiplash and has experienced problems on and off ever since. In the past few years her back and neck pains have escalated so much that she's been off work due to her being unable to move her head.
In one instance whilst at work, her employee's had to call an ambulance because she was in hysterics and unable to move. A dosage of gas and air as well as some rest at home put that right.

But Im wondering if the thing enchancing this problem and bringing it to the fore in recent years is the quality of our mattress? We had it about 4-5 years ago and it's been noticable recently how much you sink into it when you lie down (or even sit down). Granted, this makes it super comfortable so much that you can't get up in the mornings hehe, but I'v even been feeling neck and back twinges ever so often - although nowhere near to the extent as my wife.

I believe our mattress could be a lot firmer, but are there recommended mattress out there that can decrease the chances of neck pain/stop it from getting worse or maybe some good recommendations based on peoples own experiences perhaps?

Any replies would be appreciated.

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[pudding_bowl]

A firmer mattress is likely to help - given her pain also comes from her neck also I would suggest checking she has a good pillow as well. I don't know any good brands specifically.

While taking courses on back and neck pain I can clearly remember one tutor saying "I'm amazed at how many people will pay thousands for a new bed but not a couple hundred for a course of physio". No idea what treatment your wife has had - but certainly a strong course of core stability work for her back and neck muscles are well indicated in hypermobility, and can be cheaper than a new bed. consider doing both however as a saggy bed is no good if both of you are getting pains.

all the best

[Steve1977]

Thank you for your post

Unfortunately she was off again today with bad back pain and thankfully the doctors are now giving her physio but our mattress is indeed soft and a look at the logo on there confirms that it's 'regular' as opposed to firm or extra firm.

It's not that old but it even bows down slightly in the centre and so I'v been looking on the internet to research mattress and came across something called memory foam.

Are these any good? It sounds like it wouldn't last too long but are they really too good to be true?

[pudding_bowl]

I don't know much about memory foam so can't really comment. A bed that sags in the middle will always give u a bad back however - so definately worth a look at getting a new one that will last and won't sag. in NZ we have a underlay called a magne sleep that people love here. works on magnetic therapy - no idea really how it works, but good for arthritic pain. so some of those things like magne-sleep and memory foam can be helpful... memory foam sounds interesting - it's something that you can really only trial and decide if it's right for you. sorry i can't help more there.

[caz]

I have a chronic back problem and I agree that the right mattress can make a huge difference. I have a mattress that is part pocket-spring, and part memory foam, and it is fantastic - it is firm and supportive, without being hard. I also have a memory foam pillow.

The only problem is that my bed is so comfortable, I now dread having to sleep anywhere else - hotel beds are an absolute nightmare for me and are guaranteed to have me in agony the next day!

Definitely give the memory foam a go - a lot of suppliers will allow you to have a mattress on a 31 day trial, and that really is the best way to try it properly.

[Edgarsroak]

I don't think memory foam is appropriate for your wife because it is still too soft and she would sink in and boost the pain. I think you should have a look at an extra firm type of mattress (http://www.urbanmattress.com/mattres...a/pegasus-firm its properties might help you). These mattresses give substantial support and pressure on muscles and eliminate back pains. However, do not expect the mattress to be magical, your wife needs exercise and proper medication in order to totally get rid of the pain. Hope she gets well soon

[KelcieLe]

I think it would be best for your wife to sleep on the floor, on her back. It would provide some suport to her body while sleeping. Otherwise the problems she is facing right now can become worse. Although you might have found solution for it by now, anyone having the same problem can benefit from the above mentioned tip.

[bhawananancy]

I recommend Back Support Mattress

[bhawananancy]

If you are suffering from back pain than you should buy a Firm Mattress for lower back pain.