If you’re experiencing pain, it is important to understand why. A common area for pain, especially in the morning, it is in your lumbar region. The lumbar region of the spine consists of five vertebrae labeled L1 through L5. The lumbar region is situated between the thoracic (chest) region of the spine and the sacrum. More commonly, it is simply known as the lower back. Generally speaking, “lumbar support” is anything that gives you additional support to the lumbar region. Proper lumbar support helps support your natural spine curvature in a way that keeps it in the natural "S" curve your back makes. This can be done through a chair when you’re sitting all day long and a well-made mattress when you’re sleeping at night.
What Causes Low Back Pain?
The muscles in your lumbar region can spasm or become strained, which is a common cause of lower back pain. You may think this would only happen from an injury or accident, like a car crash. In fact, most lower back pain is caused by simply not giving your lower back the lumbar support it needs.
When you’re lying down, you still want your back to maintain the natural “S” curve mentioned above. If you’re sleeping on a poorly-constructed mattress that lets you sink in too far, your back is instead shaped more like an inverted “C.” This is especially true if you sleep on your stomach. Doing this night after night will lead to some serious back pain.
How to Get the Right Lumbar Support
It is important to note that your lumbar region is responsible for how your entire body feels. If your lumbar region does not have the support it needs, you are more likely to have neck, shoulder, and entire back problems.
What is lumbar support? How can I get it? These are questions we all start to ask when our back begins to ache. If your back is aching when you wake up each morning, you’re going to want to focus on three main things:
The right premium mattress
Back pain is often a key sign that you're sleeping on the wrong mattress. If you assume you need a Firm mattress for lumbar support, you’re not alone, but you are incorrect. In fact, you need a supportive mattress. A Plush mattress or Pillow Top mattress can be just as supportive as a more firm option. The important thing to remember here is that when it comes to sleep needs, one size doesn't fit all. Choose your mattress based on your usual sleep position, comfort preferences, as well as the cause of your back pain.
Adjustable bed base
Adjustable beds are great for people with back pain and problems. Strain and unnecessary pressure on the lower back should always be avoided. Raising your upper torso, legs, or both can help you do this. Elevating the knees will help to reduce the pressure on the lower spine. This can be help reduce lower back pain by shifting much of your weight off the back. One of the best positions for lower back pain is called “Zero Gravity.” Zero Gravity sleeping means both the upper and lower body is slightly lifted. This position distributes weight evenly and keeps the spine neutral to release tension buildup in the body. Especially if you’re pairing an adjustable bed base with a high-quality mattress, you’ll feel comfort and support and finally wake up without back pain!
Sleep Positions
Certain sleep positions are better than others when it comes to preventing back pain. Sleeping on your stomach often causes or exacerbates lower back pain. Experts tell us to lie on our back when sleeping, as this is what is best for lumbar support. This is yet another reason an adjustable bed base is great for lower back pain, because it makes it more comfortable to sleep on your back. If you’re having a hard time sleeping on your back and don’t have an adjustable foundation, try placing a few pillows under your knees. This will keep you from rolling over and will help to reduce the pressure on your lower spine.
Remembering these three things and setting your sleep sanctuary up with lumbar support in mind can make a huge difference in your levels of back pain each morning. If you’re waking up sore and achy, it’s time to put how much support your lumbar region is receiving at the front and center of your new mattress shopping.
Preventing lower back pain requires you to provide support for your back while you are sleeping. Visit your nearest City Mattress location and tell one of our Sleep Experts that you’re experiencing back pain. We know all about lumbar support, and after a few questions we will show you several mattresses that may be right for you.
A supportive mattress doesn’t need to be hard; it just needs to be made in the right way to keep your spine aligned properly. There is no single mattress style or type that works for all people with low back pain. Find a comfortable one that works for you! Make today the last day you wake up with a sore lower back!