Posts Tagged ‘lumbar’

Best Back Pain Mattress

When it comes to to your health, the most important piece of furniture you own is your mattress. You spend approximately one third of your life in bed. An uncomfortable mattress can have a negative effect on the quality and amount of your sleep. This is particularly true for the millions of back pain sufferers who have been ill advised over the last several decades that a firm mattress is best for them.

In actuality there are several factors to consider when choosing the best back pain mattress

for you, including: the type of back problem you are experiencing, your sleep position, mattress support, and your comfort preference. 

It would be nice if there was a simple anser to the question of "what is the best back pain mattress?" but like so much in life there isn’t an easy answer. It depends on a lot on these factors.

Type of Back Problem

Different types of mattresses help alleviate pain for different types of back problems and symptoms. People with lumbar disc problems, for example, have symptoms that include a shooting pain in one leg from the top of the buttock to the lower leg or foot accompanied by numbness, or that tingley feeling, or leg weakening. Those suffering from this condition would benefit from a firm mattress as a bending or flexing mattress can be very uncomfortable.

Spinal stenosis sufferers, on the other hand, experience pain, cramping or numbness in the back, arms, legs, and shoulders and are more comfortable in a flexed or loose position. Therefore, a slightly softer mattress works better for them.

The most common type of back pain is lower back pain. Usually people experience an aching dull pain in the center of the lower back. A recent clinical study out of Spain showed that a medium firm mattress is generally better at relieving chronic back pain than a firmer model. However, there isn’t one single type of mattress that works best for everyone with lower back pain.

Sleeping Position

best back pain mattress

In addition to the type of back pain you suffer from, another factor to consider is the position in which you sleep. If you have a lumbar disc problem, then sleeping on your stomach with a flat pillow under your stomach and hips is probably the most comfortable position for you because it reduces stress on the degenerated disc in your lower back. A firmer mattress is best for sleeping on your stomach while a softer mattress will cause an uncomfortable arch in your back that will worsen your condition.

People with spinal stenosis are most comfortable sleeping on their side in the fetal position with a pillow between their knees. A medium firm or firm mattress is good for this sleeping position but most people prefer a thicker padding to reduce pressure on their hips and shoulders. Finally, those suffering from lower back pain should sleep lying on their back with a pillow under their knees to relieve pressure from the lower back. There is no single mattress style that works for all people with back pain, but people with lower back pain should choose a mattress that offers support, comfort, and ultimately, a good night’s sleep.

Back Support 

Another major factor in choosing a mattress is the support that mattress provides. A supportive mattress will offer the right balance of support and flexibility to allow the spine to align naturally. There are several components of the mattress that contribute to how supportive a mattress set is. First, mattress springs and coils are the most important features of a mattress that provide back support. The coil gauge of mattress denotes how stiff or firm a mattress is. The lower the gauge of the coil, the thicker and stiffer the wire, thus, the firmer the mattress. Furthermore, the higher the coil count of a mattress, the better the quality. However, a higher coil count does not necessarily mean a more comfortable or supportive mattress.

There is a whole school of thought within the back pain medical field that feels that spring-coil mattresses put pressure on sensitive areas of the back and actually aggravate back pain for some sufferers. This tends to be truer for lower-quality spring coil mattresses.This alternative school of thinking feels that memory foam or visco elastic mattresses are better for most back pain sufferers. These types of mattresses allow your body to sink into them and actually take on the shape of your body, so there is no tension on your spine that results in back pain.

Foundation Or Boxspring

The next element of a mattress set that affects back support is the foundation, or boxspring. The foundation/boxspring absorbs weight for the mattress. If you want this type of mattress set, it is important to purchase the boxspring designed to match your mattress because manufacturers design both pieces to work together. A mismatched set may adversely affect the longevity of your mattress and the level of support the mattress provides.

Individual Comfort

Finally, the most important key to mattress buying is to buy what is comfortable for you. No two of us are the same when it comes to what we need from our mattress. Therefore, it is important to take time to actually try the mattress out, especially if you suffer from chronic back problems. It is suggested that you spend at least ten minutes on several different mattresses. Turn over from side to side and make sure that mattress provides enough support to allow the spine to rest in its natural state. The mattress quilt and just beneath the quilt, in the middle of mattress, consist of mattress padding made of polyurethane foams, puffed up polyester, and cotton batting. These materials affect the firmness of the mattress. Generally, people find that mattresses with more padding are more comfortable.

Even better than this is that most reputable manufacturers of mattresses will offer you a money back guarantee for as long as 60 or 90 days in some instances, so you can try the mattress out in your home or apartment to see if it actually helps reduce your back pain. Many retailers will include free shipping and pickups if you want to return the mattress. You really have no risk in this instance, which is good because good mattresses don’t come cheap, so you won’t take a financial hit if your new mattress doesn’t meet your needs.

Finding the right back pain mattress for you, one that really reduces or eliminates your back pain, can be a godsend. Think about it. Imagine waking up without morning back pain. Or even better, imagine getting a solid eight hours of sleep at night. A good, effective mattress that delivers in this regard would be worth the price! 

Overall, when choosing a mattress, consider all of the factors mentioned above. Ultimately, the best mattress for your back pain is the one you find most comfortable for you and your sleep preferences.

Other Relevant Posts:

Memory Foam Mattress Top On A King Size Bed 

But if you are unlucky enough to have the injuries or disabilities, then the memory foam mattress will become your best friend after the pain killers. The king size bed is great for two people because it gives both of you … It will be the best treat you have ever given yourself for a comfortable nights sleep. The slipperiness of the satin allows you to turn with very little body exertion. If you suffer from a bad shoulder or back, not having to haul yourself …   

Back Pain After Cesarean 

The mattress should not be too soft for your spine. It must at the same time should not even be hard to bear. Specially designed mattresses such as innerspring, memory foam, air, latex foam mattresses are available in the market. … Last but not least, pilates are the best exercises for back pain after cesarean. Theses strengthen the abdominal muscles which are subjected to great deal of strain during C-section. This is accomplished by stretching the back musc…  

beat Back Pain: Lumbar Support Roll, Supple-Pedic Mattress 

One of the best ways to beat back pain is to use a lumbar support roll. Lumbar rolls are pillows designed to provide comfort and relief from back pain, especially lower back pain while sitting for a long time or traveling. … 

What is the Best Bed For Back Ache Relief?

If you suffer from back ache you should first try to determine what is the cause of your back pain. There is no general solution for all the. … As you are lying in your bed for hours every night (you should sleep 7-8 hours per night, not less and not more) a good bed and mattress will definitely make a significant difference to your back ache problem. So don’t be cheap on this spend enough money on buying a good bed your back will like you for it. …  

How The Mattress Has Evolved Over Time

So when the person moves on the mattress it will shift. This allows you to relieve pressure points and provide a better night’s sleep. Best of all it completely works! Since the memory foam mattress became a reality, more and more attempts have been made … If you can find a bed that suits you however, you will not only be able to get a good nights sleep, you will be able to wake up in the morning without back pain, which is something that many people just cannot… 

Lower Back Pain? Get a Memory Foam Mattress Pad 

We’re making advances all the time in pain management; and memory foam is one of the leading non-surgical methods of reducing joint and back pain. A memory foam mattress pad has proven effective for reducing – or even eliminating back problems for 70 – 80% of people … But look around to determine what is the best fit for you in price vs. quality. Here’s some good news – it won’t cost a ton even for the best toppers. Whichever brand you go with, go …   

The Best Mattress for Neck Pain

If you read the study from the Lancet you will read that the study found a medium firm mattress was best for back pain which at that point I thought ‘yes’-a medium firm mattress is the answer. However, the next independent clinical …  

Double Mattress – As to why get a double mattresss 

My own thoughts and opinions through the things i have experienced through the years is that often if you ever suffer with a pain or aches in your back invariably you should spend money on a memory foam mattress. …. The Citi Dividend Platinum Select Card for College Students can be one of the best moves that you make. With a bank like Citi, you get the unparalleled support of a credit network willing to provide you with the best possible options. …  

What is the best mattress to sleep on when you have back/hip pain …

My husband has been in pain for quite some time due to the accident we were in in 1999 along with other things he has done. I need help in picking the right.  


Related Websites

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Back Pain and Spinal Stenosis

A recent study published by Boston University has found out that lumbar spinal stenosis affects 4.71% of the general population, wihch seems like a very low number. However, 47.2% of individuals in the 60-69 age group have lumbar spinal stenosis on their MRI scan, which is a significant number. The individuals that actually are diagnosed with severe stenosis will approach 20%. These patients with significant spinal stenosis have a 3 times higher incidence of back pain than the general population. As our population continues to live longer, stenosis of the spine will certainly be a significant health problem.

Spinal stenosis is the progression of arthritis in the spine occurring in the neck, as well as in the lower back. As we age, the cartilage in the discs of our spine will lose their ability to hold water. The water in the discs is what helps the disc move and remain flexible to bending and compression. As the discs lose their water content, they become more fragile.If the brittle cartilage breaks, the condition is called degenerative disc disease.As discs degenerate, they will begin to expand and put pressure on the spinal canal and nerve roots. This disc bulging will decrease the diameter of the spinal canal,a condition referred to as spinal stenosis. This slows the information that flows between the brain and the extremities. The arms will be affected by spinal stenosis in the neck and the legs will be affected by lower back (lumbar) spinal stenosis.

Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis will feel back pain, as well as leg pain or fatigue. Because of the fatigue in the legs, patients will have to sit frequently during walks.Lumbar spinal stenosis will also cause patients to find benches in the mall and grab the cart at the grocery store, in order to make it through their errands due to the fatigue. Some patients may attribute their fatigue to age and as they continue to remain active later in life, this may severely limit their ability to join in their families activities.The leg fatigue can cause significant pain and cramping during activity, but is lessened when the patient sits down. The act of sitting opens the spinal canal by decreasing the curve in the lower back,which also occurs while the patient is leaning on the grocery cart.

Spinal stenosis in the neck may cause more severe symptoms. The cervical spine protects the spinal cord as it descends from the base of the brain.Because spinal stenosis in the neck puts pressure on the spinal cord, the disc pressure will cause symptoms related to the area. These include a decrease in the ability to walk as well as problems with the hands.Patients may find they tend to stumble, as it becomes harder to control the feet and legs as the disease progresses. They may also find their handwriting getting severely worse and that they have difficulty differentiating the size and feel of coins or shirt buttons.

Spinal stenosis is usually treated with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy is intended to help position the spine and open the spinal canal. With better posture and stronger core muscles, patients may find their leg symptoms and fatigue improve. They may find they are able to walk farther or faster. Oral anti-inflammatory medications are a first-line option for improving the inflammation related to the degenerating discs. When physical therapy and oral medications no longer provide relief, injections of steroid around the discs and nerves may decrease the pain and symptoms related to the nerve pressure. Some patients are able to tolerate their symptoms with a few injections per year.

When all of these efforts fail, surgery becomes an option for improving the patient s pain.Surgery is aimed toward relieving the pressure from the arthritis on the spinal canal and nerves.The mechanical pressure can only be alleviated by physically removing the bone spurs or disc protrusions. The surgical procedures involve removal of bone and disc, as well as protecting the nerve roots. Fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine specialists have undergone the most intense training available in the treatment of the spine and are uniquely qualified to treat patients with spinal stenosis.

Dr. Jeffrey R. Carlson is a doctor at the Orthopaedic and Spine Center, a leading provider of Hampton Roads orthopedics services such as Hampton Roads spine surgery, Hampton Roads custom fit knee replacement, and many other services. The Orthopaedic and Spine Center can be found online at: OSC-Ortho.com

Other Relevant Posts:

Causes of Spinal Stenosis and How to Cope

A recent study published by Boston University has found out that lumbar spinal stenosis affects 4.71% of the general population, wihch seems like a very low number. However, 47.2% of individuals in the 60-69 age group have lumbar spinal … 

Chiropractic treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article was to review the literature on the use of chiropractic for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on 4 electronic databases (Medline, …   

Spinal Stenosis: A Painful Condition Prevalent in the Senior …

Spinal Stenosis: A Painful Condition Prevalent in the Senior Population By Dr. Jeffrey R. Carlson A recent study published by Boston University has determined that lumbar spinal stenosis affects 4.71% of the general population, …  

Pain in the Neck Treatments: The Causes of Back and Neck Pain and …

The cervical and lumbar regions of the spine have the most mobility and the discs there are more likely to wear down or be injured. Ninety percent of disc herniations occur in the lower two lumbar vertebrae. Spinal stenosis …  

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Steroid Injections or Physical Therapy …

Lumbar spinal stenosis (stenosis of the low back) is a common cause of back problems in adults over 55 years old. Spinal stenosis describes a clinical syndrome of back, buttock, and/or leg pain. It is a condition in which the nerves in …  

A Patient’s Guide to Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

As a result of many years of wear and tear on the parts of the spine, the tissues nearest the spinal canal sometimes press against the nerves. This helps explain why lumbar spinal stenosis (stenosis of the low back) is a common cause of …  


Related Websites

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Treating Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Failed back surgery syndrome is the term used to describe recurring or persistent pain in the back or legs following a lumbar spine surgery.

Often, surgery is used to fix an anatomical problem, such as a herniated disc pushing on a nerve. Unfortunately, even in the hands of the most skilled surgeon, some patients will continue to have pain after the anatomical problem has been repaired. The exact number of patients who continue to suffer pain is not clear, but more surgeries appear to increase the risk of this condition.

There are many reasons why patients may continue to have pain. Low back pain is often from more than one source. For example, there could be pain from a herniated disc, or pain from arthritis in the small joints, known as facet joints. After repair of one problem, pain may persist from the other. There can be a problem related to the surgery itself, such as a complication of hardware that was inserted or an infection. Continued degeneration of the discs and joints of the spine can also cause pain. Scar tissue formation (known as epidural fibrosis) and inflammation around the nerves (known as arachnoiditis) may also cause pain.

The best treatment for FBSS is prevention. Non-operative therapy should be the first step in treating low back pain, unless there is a clear anatomical problem that requires surgical intervention. Patients should be aware that even with a skilled surgeon, there is no guarantee of complete pain resolution from a low back surgery.

If a person develops FBSS, it is important to have a multidisciplinary approach to treatment of this complex problem. If there are no problems requiring surgical intervention, then multidisciplinary care involving physical therapy, medications and spinal injections should be pursued. Physical therapy should include not only treatments for pain, such as deep heat, but also muscular training exercises and instruction on how to do daily activities to prevent increased pain. FBSS therapy may also include spinal injections, such as injections around the nerves, discs or small joints in the back or neck. Epidural steroid injections are the most common, but there are several other injections that may be helpful for treatment or facilitating diagnosis.

There are some patients that do not respond to less invasive techniques, but they may benefit from more intensive treatments, including spinal cord stimulation or pain pump implantation. Spinal cord stimulation is frequently used for the leg pain associated with FBSS. A small lead is placed in the epidural space around the spinal cord and masks pain by producing a tingling or tapping sensation in the place where pain is felt. Before having the device implanted permanently, a screening trial is performed. A temporary lead is placed where the patient feels pain and they are able to test their response to the device. Once the device is permanently implanted, the patient can turn the device on and off, as well as make some adjustments to the stimulation they receive. Another treatment is pain pump implantation, also known as intrathecal drug delivery system implantation. This pump will place medication directly into the fluid around the spinal cord, which requires a much smaller dose of medication than when taken orally. Because the medication does not circulate throughout the body and a much smaller dose is used, the frequency of side effects is less. Though morphine is the most commonly used medication in these pumps, some other opioid and non-opioid medications can be used successfully.

Other Posts On This Subject:

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome - How to Treat It

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a term used to describe persistent or recurring pain in the back or legs after a lumbar spine surgery. Often, surgery is used to fix an anatomical problem, such as a herniated disc pushing on a …  

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome | Better Life, Better Health through …

Well, there is actually a syndrome (which is a collection of symptoms) called “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome”. Reference Wikipedia [link here]. Apparently the failure of back surgery is so common it has generated its own clinical description . … And if you already suffer from back pain, do all of the above! And get a second, third or tenth opinion on treatment options. Try all conservative healing regimens available to you before looking at surgery….  

Causes Of Back Pain and Is Surgery Your Best Treatment

Unfortunately these surgeries, especially fusion-type, fail or have only a shelf-life of two-to-five years leading to failed back surgery syndrome for the patient. Then, why is surgery so frequently the treatment of choice? … 

Back Surgery – Back Pain Treatments 

There’s even a term for what happens when an operation doesn’t improve a patient’s condition — "failed back surgery syndrome," said to be the only diagnosis named for a treatment that hasn’t worked. It gets worse. 

Failed Back Surgery

failed back surgery syndrome (also called fbss, or failed back syndrome) is a misnomer, as it is not actually a syndrome – it is a very generalized term that is often used to describe the condition of patients who have not had a … 


Related Websites

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Search
Relax The Back 125x125