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| Mattress selection for Back Pain |
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Question:
I am addicted
to rock climbing and climb at a high level. I have a long history of
back problems which come and go, but for the last 3 months I can't seem
to shake my lower back pain. Yesterday I purchased a new bed (after 20
years on the old one) thinking this might help.
There's alot of hype
out there from the mattress stores but not much practical help. I
purchased a Pillow Top Simmons, Back Care model (5 zones for back
support) It is the Ultimate Supreme, St Anne model and cost $1500. I
was reluctant to go with the Pillow top because it seemed to cushiony
to me but my wife preferred that one and I figured that if it was a
back care model, it would be good for my back.
After Sleeping on it one
night, this morning I woke up with the worst back pain I've had in
months. I can return the mattress within 90 days. Does anyone have
advice on this issue.
Answer:
Reminds me of that expensive king-size Simmons
bed I bought years ago, then discovered I couldn't sleep on.
I was forced to sleep on a Thermarest mattress for two months a
little over 10 years ago, and realized it was helping my lower
back a lot. I've spent only 2 or 3 nights OFF of it since
then. You probably own one, or walk right by them in your
climbing store. If you buy one, get one of the 2" thick,
24" x 72" models.
I went through the same routine and returned two mattresses before finally settling for a Plush Firm Beautyrest.
Everyone's different when it comes to this and no matter what mattress you
buy, it will take several weeks to get accustomed to it.
From my own personal experience and from working in the med field for many
years I tell people with bad backs that the best thing for them is to go to a
foam mattress store and get yourself a 5 or 6 inch foam mattress of very firm
to medium firmness. Put this on top of a platform bed. Then return your $1500
mattress and pocket the extra $1000.
If you talk to most Orthopedic Surgeons they usually recommend this as the best
mattress to sleep on. They usually take a few days to adjust to. I highly
recommend you go this route before you dig into your bank account again in
search of a good "back" mattress.
Since you are so physically inclined, I highly rcommend back strengthening
excercises as adjunct therapy. Again any good Orthopod can recommend the best
excercises for your back.
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