How does your bed impact the health of your spine?

In fact this turns out to be incredibly difficult to quantify; more so, because even the best bed is just the “less bad” option. Why do we say this? Because even with a perfectly supportive mattress, your spine is still subject to the downward force of gravity, which compresses the spinal column and puts pressure on the intervertebral discs. And while you rest away in an extended position, your back is inevitably going to form a mold in the mattress- quite often, the more the the mold gives, the less support you have, allowing your spine to contort into all sorts of ungainly, unhealthy positions. A supportive mattress, however, which maintains spinal alignment and curvature throughout the night, minimizes the ill-effect and actually allows your spine to rest and rejuvenate throughout the night. So what are the elements that make up the perfect mattress?

Signs to look out for when it comes to the quality of your mattress

The mattress is one of the most important investments you will make on a regular basis; selecting for quality is of the upmost importance. Of course there is an element of personal preference- no one is able to sleep if they can’t get comfortable. So the perfect mattress is a mixture of support and comfort; selecting for one doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the other. Here is how to select the perfect mattress for you:

• Choose a back-care furniture store: don’t buy your mattress from department stores. You want to speak with people who are trained in spinal health and who can help you select the mattress that is right for you. 
• Test it extensively in-store: make sure to lie for minutes in the positions that you frequently sleep in. If necessary, ask a sales associate to lie on the mattress with you to simulate sharing it with your spouse.
• Ask for a comfort guarantee or a trial period: anyone is subject to change their mind and, with such an important investment, you should not be locked

Remember, most mattresses are, at the very least, a 10 year commitment; this means that, at the very least, you want a 10 year guarantee. You should seek a full-replacement guarantee that protects you in case the mattress sags or dips. 

The last element of successfully selecting a mattress is speaking with a back care professional first

At Holmes Chiropractic, we can help you determine exactly what you need from your mattress. We are dedicated to helping you find the perfect mixture of support and comfort that will help make sleep an integral part of your back care routine.