Are Adjustable Beds Good for Lower Back Pain?

Yes, adjustable beds can be good for lower back pain.  There has been much research on the matter of back pain.  Improving spinal alignment is not only possible, but an adjustable bed can play a role.  Through means of helping sleepers adopt a better sleep posture as well as pressure reduction, back pain can be reduced.  Alleviating the harshness of lower back pain can improve sleep quality as well.

How Back Pain and Sleep Correlate

When an adjustable bed is good for back pain, it is also good for sleep quality.  Spinal issues cause pain and disability which often leads to difficulty sleeping.  According to an article published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, it negatively affects quality of sleep.  Disturbances caused by chronic lower back pain interrupt sleep.  When someone experiences less sleep, they have a lower pain tolerance so the cycle can worsen over time.

How an Adjustable Bed is Good for Lower Back Pain

There are several aspects that contribute to how an adjustable bed is good for lower back pain.  Lower lumbar support mechanisms work with other features for a cumulative effect.  Check out how each of these features comes into play below.

Pressure Distribution

One way that adjustable beds are good for lower back pain is by redistributing pressure more evenly.  The force of gravity combined with our body weight can add stress to the lower back.  The multiple positioning options of an adjustable bed allows for more even allocation of that pressure.  The ability of these positions to be customized allows for specific targeting based on personal needs.  Many adjustable beds come with a Zero Gravity pre-programmed position that was designed to improve health and reduce pressure points.

Spinal Stretch

Another aspect of an adjustable bed that makes it good for lower back pain is the capacity for spinal stretch.  Decompression of the spine is known to allow for oxygenation of the discs.  Adjustable beds like the Rize Aviada come equipped with features that were developed to stretch the spine.  The Inversion feature of this bed lowers both head and foot portions of the base slightly for a controlled stretch.

Lumbar Support

Lumbar support mechanisms have been incorporated into some adjustable beds to make them good for lower back pain.  There are different types of lumbar support.  Some models utilize a bar-system while others have full on sections that move for lumbar support.  The idea behind a lumbar support system is to lessen the load carried by the lower back.  It is essentially a support system for your body’s support system.

Incline Position

Inclining the head section can make an adjustable bed good for lower back pain when used within positioning.  However, there are also many other ways this factors into sleep quality.  A head incline can work to reduce snoring, sleep apnea, acid reflux and more.  So even if lower back pain isn’t an issue, most everyone can appreciate the head incline position.

Massage

Massage functions built into adjustable beds are good for lower back pain.  Massage works to improve circulation which helps promote healing.  It is also used for relaxation.  As muscles are relaxed, tension is minimized and endorphins are released.  Endorphins alter our perception, making us less sensitive to pain.

So, Are Adjustable Beds Good for Lower Back Pain?

Adjustable beds can be good for lower back pain relief in many ways.  They cannot cure spinal issues but they can work to help you sleep better.  By means of reducing pressure points and providing lower back support, adjustable beds are good for lower back pain.  Some even have additional features that offer a complete back stretch.  Think of an adjustable bed as one tool in the toolbox.  Just as a hammer cannot do a screwdriver’s job, an adjustable bed is not a replacement for medical care.  Rather, an adjustable bed can be a part of a therapeutic management plan.

For More Help

If you are interested in sleeping better on an adjustable bed, Rest Right Mattress can help!  We carry adjustable beds with lumbar support, adjustable beds with specialized pillow tilt, and more.  We can help you navigate the options and pick the adjustable bed that will work best for your individual needs.  We are looking forward to hearing from you soon.  Please give us a call at 469-314-4051 and get started on your path to better sleep.