Is Your Mattress Causing Your Back Pain?

Mattresses & Spinal Health: Is Your Bed Causing Back Pain?

If you’re waking up stiff, sore, or not feeling rested, your mattress could be one of the biggest reasons. In this post, Dr. Aaron Seaton from The Chiropractic Place breaks down the most common signs your mattress is failing, what to look for when shopping, and how to make a smarter mattress investment for your spine.

Common Signs Your Mattress Might Be the Problem

This question comes up in Dr. Seaton’s office every single week: “Doc… is this the right bed? Do I need a new mattress?” One of the biggest clues is how you feel in the morning.

Waking up with upper back pain or low back pain
Feeling stiff or uncomfortable after a full night of sleep
Not waking up feeling rested (even after “enough” hours)

Many people notice this when they travel—sleeping in a different bed and waking up stiff. If that “bad mattress” feeling starts happening at home, it’s time to take a closer look.

How Old Is Your Mattress?

Age matters. If your mattress is approaching the 8–10 year mark (or older), it may be breaking down and no longer providing proper support. A mattress that’s past its prime can contribute to poor sleep and more irritation in the spine and joints.

Dr. Seaton shares more detail on what to look for in a supportive mattress in this related post: best mattress for back and hip pain .

Look for “Valleys” and Visible Breakdown

One of the clearest physical signs your mattress is failing is an indentation or “valley” where you sleep. If the surface is dipping, that means your bed is no longer supporting you evenly—and your spine may be spending hours each night in a stressed position.

Memory Foam vs. Coils: What Dr. Seaton Recommends

Dr. Seaton is not a fan of all memory foam mattresses as the only support system. From what he’s seen, many of these mattresses don’t hold up over time.

He’s had patients return all-foam mattresses within 12–18 months—some even within 6 months. That’s why he recommends a mattress that includes coil or micro-coil technology to better support the skeleton.

Memory foam can still be part of the design—Dr. Seaton just doesn’t recommend it being the only support system.

A Mattress Example Dr. Seaton Likes

One of Dr. Seaton’s favorites is a hybrid bed that includes thousands of micro-coils for support. He notes it may cost more up front, but sleep is a vital part of health and recovery—and you spend roughly a third of your life in bed.

If you want another mattress option he has reviewed, check out: what mattress should I buy?

One Rule Before You Buy: Get an Exchange Policy

There is no one-size-fits-all “perfect” mattress. Comfort and support can depend on body weight, sleep position, and personal preference. That’s why Dr. Seaton strongly recommends one non-negotiable:

Always choose a mattress with an exchange or return policy. If it doesn’t work for you, you want the ability to swap it out rather than being stuck with an expensive bed that contributes to pain.

Related Reading from Dr. Seaton

Call our office today to schedule an appointment to kickstart your healthy life: 530-221-8443

*The transcription is auto-generated by a program and may not be accurate. For complete details, please watch the video.

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