subject: Banish back pain with a decent mattress [print this page] Back pain can be the result of all sorts of things, from a bad chair at work or bad posture, to excess body weight or driving for long periods of time but one of the most common causes of back and neck pain is an unsuitable mattress or one which needs replacing. Back pain is not only an unpleasant ailment for the sufferer but it also costs UK businesses millions of pounds in lost working hours and the UK economy (and taxpayers) millions in NHS hours every year and that's why there are so many products available to try and help minimise the risks of getting back pain, curing it altogether or soothing the symptoms.
If you suffer from any sort of chronic back or neck pain the first port of call should always be your doctor and that should go without saying but there are some other measures you can take to help relieve back pain or prevent it happening in the first place. The first thing to do is review your lifestyle, do you spend hours on end driving or sitting in the same position either on public transport or at your desk? If so, you could be doing unseen damage to your spine and back, neck and shoulder muscles and it's time to take action. Try to take the train wherever possible instead of driving as this is not only better for the environment but means you can get up and walk around every twenty minutes or so, encouraging the blood to flow freely around your body and allowing your muscles to stay warm and flexible.
Alternatively, if you've got a long distance to drive, factor ten minute rest and stretch stops for every hour you'll be on the road and do a series of back, neck and leg stretching exercises at a convenient service or petrol station. At work, make sure you have been provided with adequate equipment and that your desk, chair and monitor are all set to the correct height to make sure you are adopting the correct posture. But ergonomics is no good without regular breaks to keep the body supple and flexible and the mind alert.
The last thing to check is your bed and mattress as the average adults spends between six and eight hours in every twenty four in bed and as such, what you're lying on becomes extremely important. Mattresses should be replaced every ten years or sooner depending on the quality, and should be flipped or turned every few months to stop them from sagging and failing to support your back and keep your spine in line. Choosing a mattress is really important so make sure you know your stuff before you jump into the wrong bed.
If you suffer from back or neck pain, choose from the hundreds of high quality, orthopaedic and memory foam mattresses available online and check out the great beds too and you could be on your way to a pain free back before you know it.
