Is An Adjustable Bed Good For Your Back?
Improving the quality of our sleep has been one of man’s greatest obsession since the beginning of time. Since then, our ancestors have moved from sleeping on trees and rocks to sleeping on mats and eventually on beds.
Adjustable beds are just another step in the tradition of human beings striving for better, quality sleep—a big one at that. Over the years, these beds have evolved and not only have more features and lifestyle benefits but also come at a lower price.
But the question is not whether a bed that goes up and down is comfortable, or fancy, or fun to play with — the question is: is an adjustable bed helpful for back pain, lower back pain, sciatica, and other conditions?
The simple answer is yes.
DISCLAIMER: Of course, we are mattress people — not doctors or chiropractors, but there are many studies on this very question and through research along with meeting people daily with back pain — whether lower back or upper body pain — we’ve been able to put together the following information.
What is an Adjustable Bed?
As their names predict, these are beds whose trajectory and angle can be changed to offer a more relaxed sleeping position. Some also often the much sought after “zero gravity” position.
Apart from the beds’ incline, these bases also come with massage options and timer options to change sleeping positions throughout the night.
Who Should Get an Adjustable Bed?
The list of people who can benefit from the orthopedic health benefits of an adjustable bed is endless. These are some of those categories to mention a few:
- People recovering from back surgery or any other orthopedic procedure
- People suffering from chronic back pain, arthritis, and other conditions
- Anyone who has been in a car accident and suffered lower back, upper body, or spine pain
- Athletes or people who invest a lot in exercise and working out
- Ordinary people who want the benefits of a good night’s sleep
Your Adjustable Base Could Help With Back Pain and Other Concerns
The most significant upside of sleeping in an inclined position is that it has been proven to help recover and alleviate pain in some joint diseases. Many lower back and neck ailments may be less aggravated on an incline.
Some of these back conditions include:
1. Osteoarthritis
People who are diagnosed with both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis usually wake up with stiffness around the joints.
On a regular bed, this may lead to a general lack of rest coupled with exhaustion and tiredness throughout the day.
Adjustable beds enable you to sleep on an incline, which provides better support at the back and knees alleviating both the pain and the stiffness.
2. Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
This is a condition that affects the vertebra and the spine mostly as people age. It occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it.
This condition is prevalent for people above the age of 65. Sleeping on a regular bed can cause a lot of pain and discomfort from this condition.
On the other hand, an adjustable bed allows folks with degenerative spondylolisthesis to sleep in a recliner. This helps alleviate some of the pain and discomfort.
3. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition that is caused by the narrowing of spaces in the spine, which then exerts pressure on the nerves.
For some, this condition may be asymptomatic, but for many, it causes a lot of pain, discomfort, and lack of sleep.
People with this condition feel better leaning forward than standing straight. Subsequently, sleeping on a standard or flat mattress is not ideal for people with this condition.
An adjustable bed allows people with spinal stenosis to sleep on an incline, hence alleviating some of the pain and discomfort of spinal stenosis.
So whether you have chronic back pain or maybe were in an accident with back and neck pain — your bed is the first place to look for more comfort. You spend so much time there! Let’s get comfortable and healthy!
Advantages of Sleeping On an Incline
Sleeping on an incline or on a bed that can incline comes with several benefits over sleeping on a fixed flat mattress and standard bed frame. All of them come down to getting a better night’s sleep.
Some benefits of sleeping on an incline are:
i.) Enhances Mobility
Sleeping on an adjustable bed makes it easier for older folks and people diagnosed with conditions to get on and off the bed.
Remote-controlled beds can lower the limbs when getting off the bed and elevate the surface for someone trying to get on the bed.
ii.) Reduces Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a burning sensation in the chest whenever somebody lies down. Lying on a flat surface increases the effects of acid reflux, especially after a heavy meal.
Sleeping in an incline or an adjustable bed has been known to reduce the effects of acid reflux.
iii.) Reduces Mouth Breathing
Breathing through your mouth can be caused by several reasons. An obstructed airway, habit, and nasal congestion being notorious causes.
Breathing through your mouth is highly inefficient compared to breathing through your nose. It may lead to dried gums and shortened breath.
Sleeping in an incline goes a long way to ensuring that you breathe through your nasal cavity throughout your sleep.
iv.) Helps with Post-Nasal Drip
Postnasal drip occurs when mucus drips down the back of a person’s throat. This may lead to discomfort during sleep and force somebody to wake up.
Lying on flat surfaces is a leading cause of postnasal drip. This situation can easily be avoided by lying on an inclined surface or using an adjustable bed.
v.) Counters Sleep Apnea
This sleep disorder occurs when the tissue at the rear of a person’s throat collapses, causing the tongue to fall back and impede breathing.
The obstruction in breathing eventually leads to the brain, eventually waking the person up.
Sleeping in an inclined or elevated surface is one sure way to prevent sleep apnea. Sleeping on a flat surface exacerbates the condition.
vi.) Increases Blood Circulation
Adjustable beds allow you to position your sleep in a zero-gravity position. Zero gravity enhances blood flow and circulation to the heart.
Adjustable beds and sleeping in an inclined position help those with heart complications, and varicose veins have a better sleep.
vii.) Helps Reduce Snoring
Snoring is a condition that occurs when the passageways are partially constricted, leading to vibrations during sleep.
Sleeping in an elevated position prevents the constriction of passageways by gravity hence reducing the chances of snoring.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing An Adjustable Bed To Relieve Back Pains
Before you head to your favorite mattress store and get yourself an adjustable bed, there are some few things you should consider;
1. Weight and the Frames
Adjustable beds come in varying weights. You should consider one that is suitable for your room or floor and one that is convenient for you to move around.
2. Pricing and Features
The cost of purchasing adjustable beds and the features is one of the most important considerations to be made before buying an adjustable bed.
3. Partner
If you happen to share your bed with someone, consultations should be made before purchasing because you know, you can’t enjoy your new bed if you’re in the dog house.
That’s all we have for you today. If you are suffering from back pain we hope you are seeing a trained professional, but pain sucks and if there is anything we can do for the community to help alleviate it we are all for it. That’s one of the reasons we started stocking great adjustable beds in stock, and they are selling like wildfire. It’s now very affordable to get a great bed and skip the old school box springs. A step up for any bedroom for sure.
Contact any of our mattress stores, and we’d be happy to walk you through the features and select the best adjustable bed for you!
Other questions you may have about adjustable beds:
- How much does an adjustable base cost? We have our pricing available online. Be sure to check with your closest stores as prices may vary.
- Are adjustable beds worth it? That varies by person and situation, but we have generally seen a lot of customers satisfaction with their new beds. Is it right for your needs? We’re not sure! Stop by and you can try the beds out in person.
- Can you use a regular mattress on an adjustable bed? There are many styles of mattresses that work great with adjustable beds – not just memory foam. Read more about which mattresses work best here.
- What is the Zero Gravity Position? Yep, we’ve got a guide for that. We suggest reading this and this article.
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FAQs
An adjustable bed can help with back pain by allowing you to adjust the angle of your head and feet, which can alleviate pressure on your back and improve circulation.
No, adjustable beds are not suitable for all types of mattresses. You should look for a mattress that is compatible with an adjustable bed frame.
Yes, an adjustable bed can improve sleep quality by allowing you to find a comfortable position that supports your body and reduces pain.
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