Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 1/20/2009

Question
Sleeping on the bed for the past few nights has made my back hurt so much. I don't  know  why this causes so much stress ! I have a sleigh bed ! I sleep with a body pillow  and that is it ! are there any suggestions, to make my back not hurt each morning !

Answer
If you have used your bed and mattress for some time without experiencing any back ache, the problem may not be your bed but the activity that you were doing during the day. At night, the spine and muscles relax, and the intervertebral discs rehydrate, so that upon arising and standing in the morning, the spine and discs are subject to the weight-bearing forces of gravity.

If however your symptoms are more recent and if you can't relate them to your daily activities, you might need to look into a new mattress, especially if your mattress is over 8 or 10 years old. Selecting an appropriate mattress is largely a matter of personal preference, and broad-based recommendations for a firm vs. soft mattress don't really apply.

I hope this helps to answer your question.