Shoulder Pads Medium

Types of Back Pain and Mattresses That Can Help

In regard to your health, the most important piece of furniture you own is your mattress. You spend approximately one third of your life in bed. An uncomfortable mattress can have a negative effect on the quantity and quality of your sleep. This is especially the case for millions of back pain sufferers who have been ill advised over the last several decades that a firm mattress is best for them. In actuality there are several factors to consider when choosing the best mattress for you, including: the type of back problem you are experiencing, your sleep position, mattress support, and your comfort preference.

Different types of mattresses help alleviate pain for different types of back problems and symptoms. People with lumbar disc problems have symptoms that include a shooting pain in one leg from the top of the buttock to the lower leg or foot accompanied by numbness, the feeling of “pins and needles”, or leg weakening. Those suffering from this condition would benefit from a firm mattress as a bending or flexing mattress can be very uncomfortable.

Sufferers of spinal stenosis experience pain, cramping or numbness in the back, legs, arms, and shoulders and function better in a flexed or loose position. Therefore, a slightly softer mattress works better for them. The most common back pain complaint is lower back pain. Usually people experience an aching dull pain in the center of the lower back. A clinical study out of Spain showed that a medium firm mattress is generally better at relieving chronic back pain than a firmer model. However, there isn’t one single style of mattress that works best for everyone with lower back pain.

In conjunction with the type of back pain you suffer from, another factor to consider is the position in which you sleep. If you have a lumbar disc problem then sleeping on your stomach with a flat pillow under your stomach and hips is probably the most comfortable position for you because it reduces stress on the degenerated disc in your lower back. A firmer mattress is best for sleeping on your stomach while a softer mattress will cause an uncomfortable arch in your back that will worsen your condition.

People with spinal stenosis are most comfortable sleeping on their side in the fetal position with a pillow between their knees. A medium firm or firm mattress is good for this sleeping position but most people prefer a thicker padding to reduce pressure on their hips and shoulders. Finally, those suffering from lower back pain should sleep lying on their back with a pillow under their knees to relieve pressure from the lower back. There is no single mattress style that works for all people with back pain, but people with lower back pain should choose a mattress that offers support, comfort, and ultimately, a good night’s sleep.

Another major factor in choosing a mattress is the support that mattress provides. A supportive mattress will offer the right balance of support and concavity in order to allow the spine to align naturally. There are several components of the mattress that contribute to how supportive a mattress set is. First, mattress springs and coils are the most important features of a mattress that provide back support. The coil gauge of mattress denotes how stiff or firm a mattress is. The lower the gauge of the coil, the thicker and stiffer the wire, thus, the firmer the mattress. Furthermore, the higher the coil count of a mattress, the better the quality. However, a higher coil count does not necessarily mean a more comfortable or supportive mattress.

The next component of a mattress set that affects back support is the foundation, or boxspring. The foundation/boxspring absorbs weight for the mattress. It is important to purchase the boxspring designed to match your mattress because manufacturers design both pieces to work together. A mismatched set may adversely affect the longevity of your mattress and the level of support the mattress provides.

Finally, the most important key to mattress buying is to buy what is comfortable for you. No two of us are the same when it comes to what we need from our mattress. Therefore, it is important to take time to actually try the mattress out, especially if you suffer from chronic back problems. It is suggested that you spend at least ten minutes on several different mattresses. Turn over from side to side and make sure that mattress provides enough support to allow the spine to rest in its natural state. The mattress quilt and just beneath the quilt, in the middle of mattress, consist of mattress padding made of polyurethane foams, puffed up polyester, and cotton batting. These materials affect the firmness of the mattress. Generally, people find that mattresses with more padding are more comfortable.

Overall, when choosing a mattress, consider all of the factors mentioned above. Ultimately, the best mattress for your back pain is the one you find most comfortable for you and your sleep preferences.

About the Author

Kermit Bauer writes for Coast to Coast Mattress. Coast to Coast Mattress is an online nationwide retailer for a wide variety of mattress and bedding products, including name brands like Sealy and Simmons mattress. The website also offers helpful information about sleep and bedding. Visit Coast to Coast Mattress today to browse or buy mattresses.

Essential Items For Your Pet: Travel Carriers

Whether you're taking a trip to your local veterinarian or a trip across country, how to transport your pets is always a consideration. The right pet travel carriers can make your journey less stressful for your beloved pets and less of a hassle for you. But what constitutes ideal dog carriers, cat carriers, and bird carriers? That depends upon your preferences, but there are many available from which to choose.

Pet Wheeled Carriers

Typically, a pet wheeled carrier has a handle that makes it easy to pull, and some convert to backpacks, car seats and beds. If you're looking for a multitasking wheeled dog carrier, make sure that it is soft sided, is ergonomically contoured with padded shoulder straps, and includes a safety strap that attaches to your dog's collar. Most importantly, be sure to purchase the proper size: small pet carriers are typically ideal for dogs up to 8 pounds; medium pet carriers are good for dogs up to 15 pounds; and large holds dogs up to 30 pounds. Keep in mind that the weight of your pet is not the only factor in choosing the properly sized pet carrier; the critical question you should ask yourself is whether or not your dog will be comfortable in the container.

While some pet wheeled carriers resemble luggage, others resemble baby strollers. You can find heavy-duty pet strollers that, like baby strollers, have push-button folding for flat storage. Look for a stroller that has both front and back zippered entrances, as well as a mesh ventilated pet compartment. For safety's sake, select one that has front suspension and locking brakes. Strollers are ideal for older or ill pets, and work well for puppies and kittens, as well as other small animals.

Front Pet Carriers

A front pet carrier is a styled like a vest, and allows you to carry your pet hands-free wherever you go. Pet front carriers are ideal for virtually any small animal, from dogs and cats to rabbits and ferrets. You can cuddle your pet in the kangaroo pouch of a pet front carrier and keep your animal close to your heart.

When shopping for a pet front carrier, look for one with adjustable shoulder straps, a waist strap for stability, a safety leash collar attachment, and a firm padded bottom to keep your pet comfortable. If your pet likes to "hang loose," models have openings for legs and the tail.

Pet Travel Carrier Totes

Today, of course, pet totes are all the rage, and you can choose from among any number of utilitarian or designer pet carriers. From those made out of straw to those made out of faux crocodile leather, there is a designer pet carrier to complement every outfit in your wardrobe. When shopping for a pet tote, make sure to select one that is easy to open and that has proper ventilation. Gripper feet on the bottom help keep the tote from sliding around, while an extra pocket comes in handy for holding pet essentials.

Bird Carrier

If you're a bird owner, have you ever considered taking your bird on an outdoor adventure? Backpack bird carriers are smaller than birdcages, but allow you to take your pet on hikes, bike rides, and boating trips, as well as to the veterinarian. When shopping for bird carriers, look for a strong, stainless steel cage with removable and replaceable perches. Make sure that the shoulder straps are padded for your comfort, and that the cage door loads from the back for extra safety.

Pet travel carriers are a necessity, but they can also add some style and adventure to your life. Best of all, you'll be able to take Max or Princess with you to more places than ever before!

About the Author

Want to find out about getting rid of pigeons and pigeon training? Get tips from the Types Of Pigeons website.