The best mattresses for back pain of 2024 – tested by experts

“The back is a large and important part of the body, and it is not uncommon for it to suffer from aches and pains,” Haskalowici explained. “While back pain can be described in many different ways, it may be appropriate to classify it by where it occurs.”

Neck pain: “Unfortunately, neck pain can occur for a number of different reasons. Neck pain can be caused by supporting a head that is out of alignment — if you cradle your head forward, for example, or hunch, or “text neck”You may notice pain and difficulty rotating your neck. Arthritis can occur, or the neck can become injured. It’s also not uncommon to wake up with neck pain from unsupportive pillows, from sleeping on your stomach, or from grinding your teeth during the night, among other things.

Upper back pain: “The upper back, or thoracic spine, can experience musculoskeletal pain,” Haskalowici said. “Discs can slip, strains can occur, and nerves can become compressed. Often times, the causes of upper back pain can be traced back to not sitting, having relatively poor posture or weak muscles that allow the spine to tilt out of alignment. It affects the shoulders, and it may also hurt if you put pressure on them unevenly while sleeping.

Lower back pain:“Only five vertebrae make up the lower back, but those bones bear a lot of weight and pressure,” Haskalowici said. Herniated discs, muscle strains, nerve damage, and arthritis can cause lower back pain. Doing strenuous, repetitive work, or lifting heavy weights, can cause lower back pain. Carrying a heavy bag, or bending over doesn’t help either. For people with lower back pain, a medium or firm mattress can sometimes provide some relief.

“Wherever back pain occurs, it can be frustrating,” he continued. “The back is vulnerable to damage and pain caused by inflammation and arthritis; stress also contributes to back pain, because it often makes people contract their muscles.” As a treatment, Haskalovici suggests, “Nutritional supplements, regular exercise, good posture, an anti-inflammatory diet, managing stress, and getting enough sleep all help prevent and manage back pain.”