A mattress topper for back pain can help by conforming closely to the body, correctly aligning the spine, and providing relief to the pressure points. The right quality mattress topper can provide relief when sleeping and can help keep the spine in proper alignment. Chiropractor Dr. Jimenez shares some top mattress toppers for back pain including:
Pros
What to consider when buying
Determine if a mattress topper is the best solution
Layla Memory Foam
Best Temperature Neutral
The Layla Memory Foam Topper is 2-inches thick and made from memory foam infused with copper. It’s enclosed in a polyester cover and becomes denser under deep compression points, like the hips and shoulders.
The Layla brand is known for coming with cooling copper-infusion technology improving airflow and blood circulation. The copper helps an individual sleep cooler than most memory foam and is available at a reasonable price. All sizes cost less than $400 and come with free shipping and returns, a 120-night trial, and a 5-year warranty.
Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam
Best Memory Foam
The Snuggle-Pedic is a two-layer structure, with softer memory foam on the outer layer and a firm channeled base layer for spinal support. It is a versatile design that makes it appropriate for back, side, and stomach sleepers. Memory foam mattress toppers can be too soft, providing no support, or too firm. This topper finds the balance. One side is soft-to-the-touch, with the other providing twice the support. This double layer system is soft but supportive. It is available in all sizes for less than $300 and comes with free shipping, returns, and customizations.
Saatva Latex Mattress Topper
Best Latex
The Saatva is 1.5 inches of latex and is covered in organic cotton. The latex has ventilation to aid in breathability and the cotton cover adds to the overall temperature neutrality. For individuals that prefer all-natural materials, this latex topper is recommended. The latex used is Talalay latex and is natural and breathable. It also has ventilation spots and is hypoallergenic. For individuals that sleep hot, want a natural option, or have allergies, this could be an option. It comes with a 120-night trial period, free shipping and costs less than $350 in all sizes.
Zinus Memory Foam
Best For Side Sleepers
TheZinus topper measures four inches thick. It is a simple design with 2 inches of gel memory foam that is highly durable. Under the gel foam is a 2-inch-thick layer of support foam for added durability and support. This is an affordable option. The dual-layer provides cooling comfort, durable support and is designed to fit under any deep-pocket sheets. Side sleepers with hip and shoulder pain can appreciate the top layer�s softness and benefit from the durability of the bottom layer, preventing cradling and sinking.
Linenspa
Fastest Relief
The Linenspa is made with three inches of memory foam that conforms to the body’s curves while sleeping. This mattress topper is infused with temperature-regulating gel beads that evaporates any heat. It is available in two-inch, three-inch profiles and the foam is made to distribute weight evenly. With every size available for less than $105, this is a comfortable and affordable way to rejuvenate a worn mattress or soften a mattress that is too hard.
What to Look For
Mattress toppers can be beneficial for providing relief for aches and pains, but the best topper for back pain requires knowledge about materials, styles, and features that will provide relief. An overview of what to look for:
Materials
Memory foam and latex are ideal for pressure relief because they conform to the body�s curves without sagging. Look for high-quality materials, like American Talalay latex and open-cell foam.
Body Conformity Amount
The ideal amount of conformity provides pressure relief for painful areas. An ideal level depends on weight and sleeping positions. Look for details about the mattress weight, type, and sleeping style.
Sleeping Position
Sleeping on the back is a way to naturally align the spine, but a firm topper that does not sag is needed to provide the proper support.
Stomach sleepers need a topper that does not sag in the midsection, which can lead to neck pain.
Side sleepers need a topper that conforms to the contoured areas, like the shoulders and hips.
Price
Prices for mattress toppers vary. There are high-quality mattress toppers available for $150. For luxury, prices will be in the $300s and above.
Durability
Sagging is the main issue to avoid. Optimal spinal support is the objective. Do the research, read reviews, consult a chiropractor, and take plenty of time before investing.
Thickness
Toppers differ in thickness and can measure from one to seven inches thick. Thicker does not mean more comfortable and thicker toppers tend to be softer. Thinner toppers are usually firmer, which is better for back and stomach sleepers. What feels right depends on an individual’s sleeping position, weight, and size, however, most toppers fall in the two to three-inch thickness range.
Back Pain Causes
Back pain can range from a dull ache to sharp sensations and can be the result of an auto accident, work injury, or personal injury that has developed over time. A sedentary lifestyle also contributes to low back pain. The following conditions are common sources of back pain:
Regardless of the cause or source, a mattress topper, which is more supportive than a mattress pad, can help alleviate back pain when sleeping, leading to a minimization of symptoms and improved quality of life.
Possible Option
Aching muscles, shooting/stabbing pain, reduced range of motion, and flexibility are detrimental to work, and home life. Whatever the case, there�s an option out there. An overview of mattress topper benefits:
The current mattress is old or not supportive enough, but don�t want to invest in a new mattress.
The current mattress is too firm, but a partner is comfortable on it. Mattress toppers are available in split sizes to soften/firm up one side.
A sedentary lifestyle has increased the frequency of dull low-back pain. A topper can help with back pain prevention.
Improve the comfort of a guest bed without spending too much. Similar to the first scenario, a mattress topper can be an upgrade for just several hundred dollars.
One of the most affordable sleep innovations today, but remember that durability, materials, and sleep factors, like weight, position, and height, should all be considered.
Composition of The Body
Sleep Stages
Sleep researchers are divided into two types of sleep: REM sleep is when dreams occur and NREM sleep which is non-REM sleep. NREM sleep is divided into stages:
Stage 1
Stage 1 makes up just 5-10% of a sleep cycle and is known as light sleeping. In this stage, the brain remains semi-conscious and is in between wakefulness and sleep. The brain waves start to elongate from alpha to theta waves.
Stage 2
Stage 2 is the bulk of the sleep cycle and makes up around 55%. In this stage, the body/brain is fully asleep and brain waves slow down even more.
Stage 3
Stage 3 is the deepest sleep state and is marked by elongated brain waves and slowed brain activity. It is also called short wave sleep. Slow-wave sleep makes up 15-25% of sleep but is the most important sleep state for body composition because most of the body’s restoration happens during this cycle.
REM/Rapid Eye Movement
This is the stage where dreams occur. It�s very distinct from the other three in that brain activity becomes more active. An individual passes through these sleep stages every 90 minutes. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night means going through 4-5 cycles. Going through a complete sleep cycle ensures an individual will go through Stage 3, which has a significant effect on body composition.
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Bolash R, Drerup M. How to Beat Insomnia When You Have Chronic Pain. Cleveland Clinic Web site. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/12/managing-insomnia-for-those-with-chronic-pain/. Published December 18, 2015. Accessed April 18, 2017.
Improving Sleep: Special Health Report. Boston, MA: Harvard Medical School; 2015.
What is Sleep? American Sleep Association Web site. https://www.sleepassociation.org/patients-general-public/what-is-sleep/. Accessed April 18, 2017.
We’ve all seen the commercials, web ads, emails, etc�about the best pillow around. Getting a good night’s sleep can be a struggle these days and any type of physical aid is welcome, specifically a pillow. This is especially true of people with chronic, acute cervical neck/back and neuropathic pain.�
Stores carry various lines of pillows that all claim to be the best pillow for neck pain.
With all the different designs out there, choosing the right pillow for your way of sleeping can be a challenge. Dr. Jimenez takes a look at finding the right pillow that will help you sleep, stay asleep and wake up refreshed and with no neck/back pain.
Throughout the sleep cycle, and therefore has a big responsibility. This guide will help you find the right one to meet your sleep needs.
Sleeping position and the pillow can play a major role in comfort or pain.
Example – Stomach sleepers usually have the most neck pain. This is because the neck is turned to the side and the spine is arched.
For relief, try sleeping either on your back or on the side. This along with a pillow that supports the neck and the natural curve of the spine.
Tips for Buying The Right One
These guidelines apply to anyone looking for a pillow that can support the spine. It should:
Keeps your spine naturally aligned meaning the head should rest directly over your shoulders and should not be propped up or pushed back too much
Can be adjusted for maximum support
Supports your head
Eliminates pressure on the cervical spine
Increases sleep duration
Hypoallergenic for those with allergies
Pillows come in all types and sizes, but don�t get it based on how it’s going to look on your bed. Take into account your body size and match that to the size of the pillow.
Picking Based On Your Sleep Position
Picking the right one for you and understanding how you sleep is important, as your sleep position can lead the way.
Stomach sleepers
Thin pillows are the way to go and sometimes not using a pillow at all could be beneficial.
Sleeping on your stomach puts more pressure on the lower back than any other sleeping position. Consider sleeping on your side/back or only sleep on your stomach for short periods then once comfortable switch to the side/back position.
Back sleepers
Thin pillows are also the way to go, but this pillow should have some lift at the bottom to help support your neck.
Memory foam is an option for back sleepers because it adjusts to your�head and neck shape.
Side sleepers
A firm pillow specifically one with a gusset or a piece of material that adds strength and thickness is more structured and can keep your spine aligned.
Specialty�
With severe spine pain or if pregnant, standard pillows do not work. There are specialty pillows that can provide comfort and pain relief.
Chiropractic
Known also as a cervical pillow, these can help if you have chronic neck or back pain that�s not allowing sleep. These are molded to your neck and keep your spine aligned during sleep, and come in a variety of styles and materials. A chiropractor can help you choose the right type and instruct you on how to use it correctly.
Pregnancy
These also come in different types but the aim is to provide support to your growing abdomen. Pregnancy pillows also come with extra body pillows designed to fit under the abdomen and between the knees supporting the entire body.
When To Replace Your Pillow
It is recommended that individuals should replace every 18 months to 2 years depending on how aggressively you sleep.
Using a pillow beyond its lifespan means there is no longer support for your spine which can exacerbate and create new injuries.
How to tell when a pillow is done its duty, fold it in half. If the pillow stays and does not return to the original position is a good indicator that it�s time for a new pillow.
El Paso, TX Neck Pain Chiropractic Treatment
Sleep allows your body to heal and the spine to rejuvenate. It helps you handle stress better and manage pain more effectively. It is an essential part of good health so making sure that you get good quality sleep should be a priority � and it is possible.
NCBI Resources
The�position that you sleep in can help relieve your back pain, but getting good quality sleep will help you manage your pain much better so it should be your goal to get proper sleep every night. And you should change it out on a regular basis.
They can get worn and no longer deliver the support they once did. If you are waking up with neck or back pain or headaches, it could be your pillow. Additionally, studies show that making your bed every day improves your quality of sleep. Make sure that the temperature is comfortable and avoid electronic devices for about an hour before bedtime. Be kind to your spine and make sleep�a priority.
April Hermosillo achieves overall health and wellness every day by following proper nutrition and engaging in exercises or physical activities. As a regular fitness participant, however, April Hermosillo can experience back and low back pain which ultimately affects even her most basic daily tasks.
April Hermosillo struggled with spine health issues and sciatica before she received chiropractic care. Dr. Alex Jimenez is a chiropractor in El Paso, TX who has helped April Hermosillo achieve pain relief so she can return to her everyday fitness routines. April Hermosillo describes how Dr. Alex Jimenez has tremendously helped improve her overall symptoms. April Hermosillo highly recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-surgical choice for personalized spine and sciatica treatment and rehabilitation.
El Paso Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
Our services are specialized and focused on injuries and the complete recovery process. Our areas of practice includeWellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Treatment, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Stress Management, and Complex Injuries.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the human body. It connects the lower extremities to the central nervous system. Any type of compression or impingement can cause sciatic nerve pain. A herniated disc, misalignment of the spine, and other spinal health issues can cause symptoms of sciatica.
Sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, is a collection of symptoms characterized by low back pain, tingling sensations, and numbness which radiate down the length of the legs and into the feet. Dr. Alex Jimenez helps many patients from all walks of life find pain relief. Chiropractic medicine specializes in treating sciatica. EP Back Clinic patients give their testimonies, as to how Dr. Jimenez is the best chiropractor for sciatica pain.
EP Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
I assure you, I will only accept the best for you�
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As a business owner at El Paso, Texas, Louie Martinez depends upon his general health to have the ability to execute his daily physical activities. And thanks to Dr. Alex Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, Texas, Louie has found pain relief for a variety of wellness issues.
Louie describes how Dr. Jimenez has revived his wellness. Louie Martinez is thankful for the chiropractic care Dr. Jimenez has provided for him, and he highly recommends him as the non-surgical choice for many different health issues, including back pain and sports injuries.
El Paso Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
I assure you, I will only accept the best for you�
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend us.
Louie Martinez depends on his wellness to be able to perform daily physical activities. And thanks to Dr. Jimenez, a chiropractor. Louie Martinez has found pain relief for a variety of health issues. Chiropractic care is a safe and alternative treatment option that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a variety of injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Louie Martinez describes how Dr. Alex Jimenez has restored his quality of life. Louie Martinez is grateful for the chiropractic care Dr. Alex Jimenez has provided for him, and he highly recommends him as the non-surgical choice for a variety of health issues, including back pain and sports injuries.
Best Chiropractic
We are blessed to present to you El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
I assure you, I will only accept the best for you�
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend us.
More and more people are choosing chiropractic care for their pack pain and other issues. In fact, they are leaving their traditional medical practices with their pills and surgeries, and opting for the all-natural, non-invasive practice of chiropractic. So why this seemingly sudden exodus over to chiropractic care? It seems that there are several potential reasons.
The American College of Physicians recommends chiropractic for low back pain.
The American College of Physicians published its updated guidelines in 2017, recommending chiropractic and other non-drug treatments, as a first line treatment for chronic and acute lower back pain. Among the treatments listed was spinal manipulation which was �strongly recommended.� It is very effective when combined with exercises like Pilates, yoga, and tai chi.
Studies show chiropractic to be effective for low back pain.
A study published in the April 2017 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association cited spinal manipulation therapy to be helpful in treating low back pain. The researchers reviewed and analyzed a number of randomized clinical trials that focused on spinal manipulation as a treatment for low back pain. The results were consistent with each, showing that chiropractic treatment, specifically spinal manipulation, was effective in helping low back pain patients with improving function while minimizing pain during treatment courses of up to six weeks.
95% of people who used chiropractic in the past would do it again.
In the 2016 Gallup-Palmer College of Chiropractic Annual Report, 95% of people who have used chiropractic in the past say that it is an effective treatment. What�s more, 97% of people who used a chiropractor in the previous year said that if they had back or neck pain they would seek chiropractic treatment again. More than half of adults who have never seen a chiropractor said they would seek chiropractic treatment if they developed neck or back pain.
In a consumer survey chiropractic was rated higher than all other treatments for back pain.
A Consumer Reports survey published in July 2011 ranked chiropractic higher than Pilates, yoga, and even medications for relieving back pain, osteoarthritis, and neck pain. Many chiropractic patients like the whole-body approach that includes lifestyle recommendations, dietary advice, and supplements for treating pain, immobility, and range of motion issues. Many of the respondents said they opted for the natural treatments like chiropractic in order to avoid the harmful and undesirable side effects of prescription medication.
People are concerned about the opioid epidemic.
With the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) declaring prescription drug (specifically opioid) abuse an epidemic, people are searching for safer, non-drug options. It is startlingly easy for a person to get addicted to pain medication, even while under a doctor�s care. Because of this, natural treatments are becoming more and more popular to people who want to avoid that potential for addiction or who are at a higher risk for becoming addicted.
With spinal fusion surgery on the rise, patients with back pain are seeking less invasive options.
Spinal fusion surgery has been on a steep rise, increasing by 500% in recent years. Many patients are choosing to seek out natural treatments like chiropractic in order to avoid a surgery this drastic. It also helps that chiropractic looks at the whole person and the patient may get advice on lifestyle habits they need to change, dietary adjustments, and exercises that they can do at home.
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