Firmer Mattresses May Not Help Back Pain
Nov. 14, 2003 -- Goldilocks may have been onto something. When choosing a mattress, a new study says, go for one that is not too hard, not too soft, but just right.
For years, many people with back pain have thought that a hard mattress is best for their back. But a new study now shows that firmer does not mean better.
The research, published in this week's issue of The Lancet, examined 313 people who suffer with chronic back pain and morning achiness. They were given new spring mattresses that were either "firm" or "medium-firm," but were not told which type they had.
After sleeping on the mattresses for three months, the subjects who slept on medium-firm mattresses had fewer aches and pains than those who slept on firm ones. They had less daytime low-back pain, less pain on lying and rising from bed, and fewer limits in activity.
Though the study was done in Spain, most specialists feel the results are easily applied to mattresses in the United States.
"The principles of previous research are in support of the conclusions [of this study]. However, this is by far the largest and best-conducted study of its type," said Dr. Gunnar Andersson, an orthopedic surgeon at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago.
No More Floors?
Lower back pain is one of the most widely experienced health problems in the United States, affecting more than 65 million people. It is the second most frequent reason for visiting a doctor, generating approximately $24 billion per year in health-care costs.
In the past, patients were often advised to sleep on a firm mattress or even on the floor to relieve back pain, but most specialists now agree that there is little scientific support for this recommendation.
"I am not surprised by this study. These are the recommendations I have given to my patients for a long time," said Andersson, a specialist in spine and back injuries.
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