Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 10/5/2008

Question
I have been trying to determine the cause of my morning back pain. We have a 5year old pillow top mattress during the past year I would wake up with lower back pain. At first, it was stiffness in my lower back after I get out of bed the pain gradually goes away. No pain during the day. After a few months, the pain went from stiffness to severe pain.

We switched out our king mattresses with our guest room twin mattresses. Yes it makes for an odd looking bed, but I am desperate for relief. The twin mattresses are firmer. Now instead of having severe lower back pain in the morning the pain is now around the middle of my back/ribcage area.

I have no pain or stiffness within an hour of getting out of bed, and I am pain free all day.

I have tried the pillow between my legs, if I sleep 6 hour or less the pain isn’t as severe. I would like to get 8 hours of sleep but if I stay in bed more than 7 hours the pain is so bad it wakes me up a must get out of bed to relieve it.

Should I be shopping for a new mattress? If so, what type is best? Or is there something going on with my back that should be addressed?  

Answer
Hello Mary,

  Before purchasing a new mattress (which can be expensive) you may want to have a Chiropractic exam.  Often spinal subluxations (vertebrae out of place) and muscle spasm can cause your symptoms.  Since the body is not moving at night the muscles tend to tighten.  Getting up moving around loosens the muscles as you noticed.  Having Chiropractic treatment restoring muscle balance and alignment may be of great benefit.  My patients find the most comfortable beds are the Sleep number and Tempurpedic mattress.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.