Can Adjustable Beds Help with Back Pain?

Medically reviewed by
 Dr. Jordan Burns DC, MS

Dr. Jordan Burns DC, MS

Meet Dr. Burns, a devoted chiropractor with an extensive seven-year professional career dedicated to optimizing patient health. With an academic background in Kinesiology, Life Sciences, and Sports Science and Rehabilitation,…

Last Updated On January 15th, 2024
Can Adjustable Beds Help with Back Pain?

Key Takeaways

  • Targeted Back Pain Relief: Adjustable beds offer a customizable solution for individuals experiencing chronic back pain. By adjusting the bed’s position, users can provide targeted support to specific areas, improving blood circulation, relieving pressure points, and potentially reducing the intensity of back pain.
  • Versatility for Various Conditions: Adjustable beds are recommended for various health concerns, including back pain, circulation issues, acid reflux, and more. The ability to customize sleeping positions makes these beds versatile, catering to specific medical conditions and promoting overall well-being.
  • Choosing the Right Combination: Maximizing the benefits of adjustable beds involves selecting the right combination of bed frame and mattress. Factors such as adjustable features, mattress type (memory foam or hybrid), and individual preferences contribute to achieving optimal comfort and support. Consulting healthcare professionals and researching customer reviews can guide the selection process.

Back pain can be a real buzzkill! If you are among the countless individuals who experience chronic back pain, you understand how uncomfortable and taxing this can be in your daily life. Pain medication and physiotherapy can offer temporary relief, but have you considered using an adjustable bed to alleviate your pain?

By adjusting the position of the bed, an adjustable bed can provide targeted support, improve blood circulation, and relieve pressure points in the affected areas of your back. This can allow for a restful sleep and potentially reduce the intensity of your pain.

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Let’s explore the benefits an adjustable bed can provide for those with chronic back pain, and how it can improve your overall quality of sleep.

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Understanding Adjustable Beds and Their Benefits

Do you struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position and wake up with joint pain or stiffness? Adjustable beds may just be the solution you need to improve your sleep quality and alleviate discomfort.

These beds are specially designed to be customizable, allowing you to adjust the angles and find the most comfortable position for your upper body. By reducing joint compression, adjustable beds can improve blood circulation and help you achieve a good night’s sleep. And with a mattress for sitting up, you can enjoy your adjustable bed as a place to lounge during the day, too.

There are many different adjustable bed positions to explore, including raising the head or foot of the bed, adjusting the bed’s incline, or finding a zero-gravity position that distributes your weight evenly. By discovering the best adjustable bed position for your body, you can reduce joint pain and achieve restful sleep.

Not only can adjustable beds help alleviate back pain, but they can also benefit individuals with circulation issues, acid reflux, and other health concerns. An adjustable bed can gradually reduce pain and improve mobility over time. Choosing the right adjustable bed frame and mattress combo can make all the difference in maximizing your comfort and support.

“Adjustable beds can be a valuable tool for individuals suffering from chronic back pain, Verified Source ScienceDirect One of the largest hubs for research studies and has published over 12 million different trusted resources. View source ” says Dr. Jordan Burns. “A study published in ‘The Journal of Sleep Research’ demonstrated that Verified Source Oxford Academic Research journal published by Oxford University. View source beds that allow for adjustments in the head and foot sections can significantly reduce spinal stress. By enabling users to achieve a sleeping position that aligns their spine naturally, these beds can minimize the pressure on sensitive areas and promote better sleep quality.”

The Impact of Adjustable Beds on Back Pain

If you suffer from back pain (as the CDC found that 39 percent of surveyed adults do), you know how much it can affect your daily life. That’s why doctors and healthcare professionals recommend adjustable beds for individuals with back pain.

Adjustable beds allow you to adjust the position of the mattress to provide targeted support to the affected areas, which can help relieve pain and improve blood flow. An adjustable bed alleviates pressure and provides a comfortable sleeping position not possible with a flat mattress.

This type of bed foundation can be especially helpful for those with specific conditions, such as spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis, where reduced pain is critical in the healing process. Pain relief is a top priority and can be achieved with an adjustable mattress.

The use of memory foam mattresses can also enhance the comfort and pressure relief offered by adjustable beds. Make sure to consult with your doctor to determine if an adjustable bed is right for you.

When navigating the market for the best adjustable beds, it’s essential to consider your individual needs and preferences:

  • Look for features that cater to your specific condition, such as customizable positions and optimal support.
  • Researching customer reviews and consulting healthcare professionals can guide you in identifying the adjustable bed that suits you best.

The combination of an adjustable bed, paired with a firmer mattress, offers a holistic solution for addressing back pain. The ability to customize sleeping positions, stimulate blood circulation, and provide optimum support positions adjustable beds as a valuable asset in the pursuit of pain reduction and improved sleep quality.

Finding the Right Adjustable Bed and Mattress

Investing in an adjustable bed frame can help you achieve a restful night’s sleep and alleviate pressure points on your back. When choosing an adjustable bed, it’s important to consider factors such as the bed frame, remote control, and the ability to adjust pressure points to match the spine’s natural curve.

An adjustable frame can also benefit individuals with sleep apnea by allowing them to sleep in an inclined position, with their knees elevated to promote better breathing and reduce snoring. Additionally, sleeping in an inclined position can benefit those with back pain by reducing pressure on the lower back and promoting spinal alignment.

When selecting a mattress for your adjustable bed, it’s crucial to find a type of mattress that offers adequate support and can relieve pressure points:

  • Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice as they can conform to your body’s shape and alleviate pressure points.
  • Hybrid mattresses are another option that can provide extra support for different areas of your body.
  • Latex mattresses, known for their natural responsiveness and durability, offer consistent support and comfort by adapting to your body’s contours.

Ultimately, finding the right bed and mattress combination comes down to personal preference and individual needs. Using an adjustable base and the best mattress for your medical condition and health issues can maximize comfort and help with back pain.

See also our guides to the best mattresses for pressure points and pain relief:

Maximizing Comfort and Support with the Right Mattress

To fully experience the benefits of adjustable beds, it’s essential to pair them with the right mattress for back pain. The ideal mattress should provide adequate support and alleviate pressure points while minimizing discomfort. Hybrid mattresses are an excellent option, combining the contouring abilities of memory foam with the bounce of innerspring.

It’s vital to strike the right balance between elevation and comfort. While raising the feet can relieve pressure, too much elevation may cause discomfort. You should experiment to find the best position for you, as the right angle can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

“Research in ‘The Lancet Neurology’ has shown that sleep posture plays a crucial role in managing back pain,” says Dr. Burns. “An adjustable bed offers the versatility to modify sleep positions that can align the spine and reduce tension in the lumbar area. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from sciatica Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source or herniated discs, Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source where pressure relief is crucial for pain management.”

Another factor to consider is lying flat, as excessive strain on the back or neck can cause discomfort. Pairing a raised base with a mattress that offers tailored support to the body’s natural curves can relieve pressure and allow for optimal spinal alignment.

When choosing the perfect mattress, adequate support is crucial, as a lack of support could aggravate any existing back pain or create new pain points. The key is to find a mattress that strikes a balance between pressure relief and support to maximize your comfort.

Doctors often recommend adjustable bed frames as a solution for individuals experiencing trouble sleeping, especially those who benefit from sleeping sitting up in an upright position. Adjustable bed frames provide the flexibility to elevate the upper body, helping alleviate issues like snoring or acid reflux that may disrupt sleep.

“From a practical standpoint, I advise patients to experiment with different bed adjustments to find their optimal sleep posture,” says Dr. Burns. “As the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends for back pain, Verified Source American Academy of Sleep Medicine Society focused on sleep medicine and disorders, and the AASM is who authorizes U.S. sleep medicine facilities. View source maintaining a slight elevation of the head and knees can often alleviate lower back strain.”

“Additionally, incorporating accessories like a supportive pillow or mattress topper can enhance the benefits of an adjustable bed, creating a sleep environment conducive to spinal health.”

By customizing the sleeping position, individuals can find the optimal angle to enhance comfort and reduce discomfort, contributing to a more peaceful night’s sleep. With the ability to fine-tune the bed’s position, adjustable bed frames become a valuable tool in addressing specific sleep challenges and promoting overall well-being.

FAQs

Do adjustable beds really help with back pain?

Yes, adjustable beds can be beneficial for alleviating back pain. By allowing users to customize their sleeping positions, these beds provide support to the natural curvature of the spine. Elevating the upper and lower body can reduce pressure on the back, offering relief to individuals suffering from various back issues.

What is the best adjustable bed setting for lower back pain?

The optimal bed setting for lower back pain varies among individuals. Generally, a slight elevation of the legs and upper body can help reduce strain on the lower back. Experiment with different angles to find the most comfortable position that alleviates your specific lower back pain.

Do chiropractors recommend adjustable beds?

Many chiropractors do recommend adjustable beds for their patients. These beds offer flexibility in achieving optimal spinal alignment and support. Chiropractors may advise patients to use adjustable beds to enhance sleep quality, alleviate back pain, and improve overall spinal health.

Who should not use an adjustable bed for back pain?

People with certain medical conditions, such as respiratory problems or heart conditions, should consult with a healthcare professional before using an adjustable bed. Additionally, those with mobility issues or difficulty getting in and out of bed may require personalized advice regarding the suitability of adjustable beds for their specific situation.

If you have a specific health concern, it’s crucial to seek professional guidance to ensure the safe and appropriate use of adjustable beds.

What are the disadvantages of an adjustable bed?

While adjustable beds offer numerous benefits, some potential disadvantages include the initial cost, maintenance expenses, and the need for specific mattresses. Additionally, users may require time to adapt to the new sleeping positions. People sharing the bed may also find it challenging to synchronize preferences.

Overall, these drawbacks should be considered alongside the notable advantages when deciding on an adjustable bed.

Conclusion

If you’re struggling with chronic back pain, an adjustable bed may be just what you need to find relief and get a better night’s sleep. By allowing you to find the perfect sleeping position, an adjustable bed can help alleviate chronic pain by easing pressure on your upper back, sciatic nerve, and affected areas while reducing excessive strain.

Whether you prefer a neutral position, a slight incline, a reclined position, or even sleeping with your feet raised in a fetal position, there’s an adjustable base and mattress that can maximize your comfort and provide the extra support you need.

So if you’re ready to experience the health benefits of sleeping on an adjustable bed, start exploring your options today and find the best mattress and bed for your medical condition and sleep habits. Say goodbye to restless nights and hello to restful sleep with the help of an adjustable bed and find relief for your chronic back pain.


About the author

Mitchell Tollsen is a graduate student and a freelance writer who’s contributed to the Early Bird blog for three years. Mitchell’s always been fascinated by the science of sleep and the restorative processes our bodies undergo when at rest. The self-titled “Sleep Expert” is always looking for ways to improve his shut-eye, and throughout the years has implemented numerous lifestyle changes and tried dozens of sleep-promoting gadgets to determine the best ways to truly get better rest.

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