QuestionHi Dr. Gillman,
My question is really that simple. Can beds cause long-term back injury? I've been scouring the internet for an answer, but all I find are vague responses saying "Your bed has to be right for you" or "Some people need firm mattresses while others need softer beds." Some authors indicate it could possibly cause injury, but don't come right out and say it. That doesn't really put my mind at ease.
I'm stuck in college living on a sofa bed - no foam mattress topper or anything! And, for the past year that I've had to sleep on the sofa bed, my back has been hurting terribly. I just got a massage a couple weeks ago, and I already have huge muscle knots. My back has been cracking often, and I feel the need to force it to crack when it doesn't. I just breathed in and it cracked. Twice.
My back rarely hurt before the sofa bed.
Will sleeping on an awful bed cause me long-term back pain? Is it possible that arthritis and the like can haunt me 20 years from now due to my year on the hard sofa bed?
Also, would it be wise to check in with a doctor to make sure nothing weird and/or serious is happening back there? Or is it enough to say "You've got a bad bed and you're stuck with it. We know the cause and the solution. Pop some Advil."
My boyfriend has taken to calling me The Princess and The Pea... Help!
Thanks!
AnswerShawna,
I have not seen any research on this topic. However, it is commonly experienced in clinical practice that patients present with back pain after sleeping on uncomfortable or unsupportive surfaces. In theory, it is a "postural strain" to the spine to lay on an unsupportive surface when your body does not have the capacity to deal with it. Keep in mind that some folks can sleep on just about anything, and other are very sensitive to their sleep surface. Will it cause permanent long term problems? No. Massage is nice. Try also going to a reputable doctor of chiropractic. See the "Info/How To" section on how to find a good one on my web site.
Best regards,
Dr. G'
www.drgillman.com
