Modern lifestyles can be sedentary and chair-bound, including excessive use of computers, tablets, and smartphones. Many of us have also developed poor posture, sitting and standing in unnatural positions, and mental and emotional stress placing strain on the back and shoulders. Prolonged strain leads to discomfort and pain.
- What Is Back and Shoulder Pain?
- Why Rely on a Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain?
- Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain
- Solid Support for Better Sleep: ZINUS Essential Innerspring Mattress
- Pressure Dispersion Hybrid: Olee Sleep Full Mattress
- Hybrid With High Resilience Springs: Novilla Groove Mattress
- Foam Value for Money: Zinus Bliss 7 Zone Gel Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
- What to Look for in a Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain
- Relieve Pain and Sleep More Comfortably With the Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain
What Is Back and Shoulder Pain?
Back or shoulder pain is common, with few of us escaping having the experience at some point. Usually, the discomfort resolves naturally. For some, however, the back or shoulder pain recurs or becomes chronic. Stopping or reducing the activities that contribute to strain is recommended. Rest is often helpful, but too much can worsen pain causing muscle atrophy and stiffness.
What Causes Back and Shoulder Pain?
We rely on the back and shoulders for mobility and various repetitive daily tasks. The joints are hardworking with constant demands during work and leisure, with the shoulder joint called the “most movable joint” in the body.
As a result, the causes of back and shoulder pain are numerous and diverse. Risk factors include genetics, aging, poor posture, weak abdominal muscles, overuse of the back or shoulders, physical exertion in work or sports, obesity, and injuries.
Diseases and damage can also cause back or shoulder pain. These include osteoporosis, spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, pinched nerves, slipped or ruptured discs, and various other skeletal abnormalities. Rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder can also cause shoulder pain.
How Is Back and Shoulder Pain Treated?
Professional physical therapy is effective beyond resting, exercises, and stretches at home. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories or alternative approaches such as acupuncture, mindfulness, or chiropractic treatment.
Yet, if the pain persists, limits mobility, and is intense and debilitating, more invasive treatments may be required. These could include nerve blocks, peripheral nerve stimulation, or interventions such as pain pump implants, spinal cord stimulator implants, or radiofrequency ablation. If your pain is accompanied by spasms, radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, please seek medical assistance.
At the same time, sleeping on an old or unsuitable mattress can move the spine out of alignment, strain the back or other muscles, and cause pain. So, while treating your back or shoulder pain or helping prevent it, consider investing in an appropriately supportive mattress to help maintain a neutral spine, neck, and shoulder position.
Why Rely on a Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain?
Supportive mattresses are a wise investment for your health. The right mattress can help you sleep better, ease back and neck pain, and improve your overall quality of life. Research shows that a decent quality, ergonomically designed mattress may reduce shoulder pain by 61% and back pain by 57%. It can also improve stiffness (59%) and sleep quality (61%). Better sleep is essential for prevention and healing.
Moreover, poor-quality mattresses don’t adequately support the neck, upper back, and shoulders hours. Strain and pain can result when the shoulders are under pressure every night. Fortunately, the mattress industry has improved support, pressure relief, firmness, and fabrics. You can also adjust your sleeping position for enhanced sleep and comfort.
Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain
Solid Support for Better Sleep: ZINUS Essential Innerspring Mattress
- BETTER SLEEP + SOLID SUPPORT - Enjoy improved sleep on a supportive bed frame in any room with this spring mattress and steel platform bed set
- PRACTICAL AND RELIABLE DESIGN - With an ultra-durable metal structure and over a foot of under bed clearance space for storing odds and ends, the Yelena Bed Frame is an understated solution built for more than just great sleep
- DEPENDABLE ZZZ'S - All types of sleepers will love the supportive feel of this spring mattress, crafted with traditional Support Coils and subtly soft Zinus foams
This medium firm feel mattress is created with conventional support coils topped with soft Zinus foams. It is ideal for all sleeping positions, especially back and stomach sleepers. No need for a box frame leaving plenty of storage space.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| America’s Number One Mattress Brand (Newsweek + Statistica) Sturdy Excellent value CertiPUR-US certified Ten-year limited warranty User rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars | Less versatile and targeted support cross body types and weights |
Pressure Dispersion Hybrid: Olee Sleep Full Mattress
- [ Dimensions ] - 75 x 54 x 10 inches
- [ 4 Layers ] - 0.75" Cooling Gel Memory Foam + 1" High Density Foam + 7.5" Pocket Springs + 0.25" High Density Foam
- [ Temperature Regulating ] - Cooling gel memory foam disperses body heat and regulates temperatures, creating a pleasant sleeping experience while maintaining the right body temperature
This plush cloud hybrid mattress combines gel infused memory foam with individually wrapped pocket spring support for equal weight dispersion. The product offers soft pressure relief for a comfortable night’s rest and less pain. It is temperature regulating with low motion transfer, and comes with a wrinkle-free polyester jacquard cover.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Value for money Comfortable Durable Ten-year manufacturer warranty Cooling CertiPUR-US, Oeko-Tex, and CFR 1632/1633: C certified User rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars | May not be firm enough for some Reports of limited edge support Reports of sagging over time May have a lingering smell (off-gassing) May be too firm for some May need a topper |
Hybrid With High Resilience Springs: Novilla Groove Mattress
This hybrid design from Novilla offers support and comfort for undisturbed and pain-free sleep. Gel-infused memory foam also provides air circulation and temperature regulation for a breathable mattress and a cooler sleep.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Medium soft comfort feel Scores 4.6 out of 5 stars for value for money Easy setup OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified Climate pledge friendly User rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars | May be shorter than expected May not expand to full height May not be firm enough for some May not fully inflate |
Foam Value for Money: Zinus Bliss 7 Zone Gel Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
- Set Up: Simply take your mattress out of the box and enjoy watching it decompress. Jumping, walking, and sleeping on your mattress can speed up the process.
With a cooling green tree and gel-infused memory foam, this medium-feel mattress offers seven-zone pressure relief to cradle and support your shape. The high-density airflow foam provides lasting stability and durability. It comes with a soft Tencel moisture-wicking cover. Available in twin, full, queen, and king.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Scores 4.5 out of 5 stars for comfort Firm support Smartly shipped Ten-year limited warranty CertiPUR – US Certified foam User rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars | It may be too soft for some May be too firm for some Height was not as expected Reports that mattress failed to expand properly/warps May be too short for some |
What to Look for in a Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain
When choosing an orthopedic mattress, look for one that offers overall body support. You may have a sore shoulder or back pain, but mattresses addressing these zones that are too soft or firm elsewhere may not be ideal. Here are several factors to consider when researching and shopping for the best mattress for you:
- Level of Firmness
Assess your sleep position, body type, and size. For those with shoulder and lower back pain, a medium soft to medium firm option offering cushioning and support may work best. A softer mattress to relieve pressure points and cushion the shoulder may serve side sleepers best. Back sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress option for optimal spinal alignment. Steer clear of soft or very firm products, as these can cause shoulder and back pain in the long term.
- Support and Pressure Relief Features
Choose a mattress that balances abundant support and alignment for your spine with relief or redistribution of weight and pressure on the shoulders, hips, and back. Look for medium firm support with zones for cushioning the head, shoulder and upper torso while firmly supporting the lower body.
- Type of Material
Gel-infused and regular memory foam options are recommended for their pressure point relief qualities and ability to contour to the body. Another excellent option is latex mattresses. These bouncy options provide support with a “buoyant feel” and are comfortable for those experiencing shoulder and back pain.
- Durability and Quality
Good quality products that last require a higher upfront investment. However, the value for money and return on investment is often worth every cent. Beyond longevity and durability, premium quality mattresses provide superior support and comfort for longer. They also typically come with a warranty for your peace of mind.
- User Rating and Reviews
As with any purchase, paying attention to user ratings and reviews provides valuable feedback on the product and their experience. Customer satisfaction is a good indicator of quality. Especially insightful are real-life mattress performance reviews from users with back or shoulder pain.
Also, consider your budget while respecting that cheaper may not necessarily provide the benefit your sore back and shoulder needs.
Relieve Pain and Sleep More Comfortably With the Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain
Reduce or prevent back and shoulder pain with a comfortable, supportive mattress. You can also help by using additional pillows for extra cushioning and bolstering. Also, exercise regularly, ensure an ergonomic workspace with frequent breaks, and maintain good posture.
Disclaimer: Last update on 2024-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This content is provided solely for educational reasons and should not be seen as medical guidance. It’s important to consult with a healthcare expert prior to making any changes to your health regimen, including dietary adjustments or the use of supplements.
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