subject: Memory Foam Mattresses - Is It Good For Your Back? [print this page] Many experts claim that the major cause of back problems has to do with the mattresses we sleep on. With millions of people suffering from chronic back pain, its no wander that the first question mark has to be with our sleeping patterns. Unless you do work that is physically demanding, sleeping is one of the major causes because when you sleep your back often gets twisted into a variety of odd positions that is not only bad for your spine, but bad for your back muscles as well.
Chiropractors are probably the best specialists to speak to regarding the choice of a mattress. While most people think that a bed is just a bed, there are some significant differences. Its not a one size fits all scenario. Every person will have different needs and a different requirement. With so many different types of beds and mattresses, how do you know which one is right?
With spring mattresses, foam mattresses, Futon's and even water beds it can be a mammoth task to find the right one. If you have back problems and you suspect that its your bed, then as a rule of thumb you need to try out a mattress that is very different to what you've got. For instance if you currently have a very soft one that causes your back pain, try something very hard and vice-versa.
Spring mattresses are probably the most popular and probably the biggest culprits for causing back pain. The nature of the springs is to provide a lot of uneven support and because it takes a lot of point loads you often don't get enough support where you need it most. Foam mattresses used to be seen as inferior in quality and support, but some of the latest technology is changing all that. Visco elastic foam or memory foam as its commonly known, is a very advanced type of foam that has been hailed as a breakthrough in bedding and mattresses.
Unlike spring mattresses it provides uniform support (unlike point loadings of springs) and because it never loses its shape it never wears out like springs does. Whether its better for your back than a traditional spring mattress remains to be seen. Most people who use it claims that it does but there is very little scientific evidence to prove this. One thing is for sure though, it provides much more support for your entire body and the fact that it conforms to your body shape means that it will relieve a lot of the tension on the muscles in your lower back.
