Is my matress causing my back to feel stiff?
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Answers:
If you want to test the matress theory before going out and buying another one, you can lay down on a carpeted floor or try a relative's or friend's bed at a sleepover.
Some companies sell matresses or matress tops and covers really cheap too.
But if you want something that claims to last a long time and I really like it, you can call the tempurpedic company and ask if they have a trial period. Be sure to ask your parents or guardians about getting it though. If you go through with the tempurpedic option, they do a payment plan. Some matress and furniture stores will let you lay down on their showroom matresses for a while to test it. If sleeping on the floor is too rough, then you can try to get something softer.
Has the matress been flipped over yet? Sometimes matresses need to be flipped over.
Another thing you can try is if you have an inflatable pool lounger, a lot of huge stuffed toys, and body pillows and regular pillows. If you lay down on your back to sleep, use the pillows or stuffed toys under your legs so they are at a 90 degree angle almost or until they are comfortable. You can try the lounger or matress topper.
If you lay on your stomache, put a pillow underneath your stomach to keep your back and neck from arching and placing undue stress on the neck and don't use the lounger but try to use a matress topper if you can.
If you lay on your side, have the bottom leg straight, don't go into fetal position (curled up), do prop the upper leg on the stuffed toy or pillow. And if necessary hug or drape (relax) your upper arm across your huge teddy bear, body pillow, or regular pillow at your shoulder area.
You can do these things on the matress (before and after flipping it over and turning it around), or on the floor too.
Sometimes when you lay on your back, if it is aching badly enough, you can try to put a pillow underneath it and either use a heating pad or biofreeze/freezeit type rub on.
You may need to switch positions during the night as your muscles tense up from staying in one position, they need to relax.
If you sleep for too long, especially in one position, it can tighten up your muscles and joints and the mattress could possibly be making this situation worse if your body can't get comfortable (especially while you sleep).
You can get polystyrofoam pillows, memory foam, water pillows, downy feathered pillows, or pillows with husks (looks like shelled seeds or beanies) in them for your neck/head support.
If this does not work, you may have to see a doctor about this and try to figure out if there is something in addition that you are doing during the day or if you have a previously injured muscles or something else that needs to be looked into and physical therapy or chiropractic care.
If no one will buy another mattress for you, print this whole Q&A out so that you can show the options or ask if you can be taken to a doctor to find out what's going on. There are also some free clinics and nurses who may talk with you for free, or you could try a college professor who teaches sports medicine or something like that. The cheapest matress I found was about $300 several years ago but it was small. I have read that mattress toppings are cheap at places like Walmarts and make some people feel better. If the floor is too hard, you could try the lounger and the side or back position, or put some blankets on the floor. You can also play around with the pillows and huge stuffed toys to see what works for you.
You could try to get one of those inflatable air mattresses from Wal-mart and use it on the matress, bed without the matress, or floor. I think these items may be on the cheaper side too until you can get something better.
Buy a new friggen matress.
Could very well be the matress. The typical life span of a matress is about 10 years. At 16, assuming you have had no back injuries to the muscles or spine, then I would be willing to yes, it's the matress.
You should get a new matress. Big Lots has them on sale this week. GOOD LUCK!
are you sinking in the mattress?if you are then you definately need to get a new mattress. I suggest getting a firm mattress which would be the best for your back. stay away from pillow tops. it takes about 2 weeks to feel the difference on sleeping on a firmer mattress. i dont wanna gross you out but though years of owning your matress, they double in weight because of sweat and water. there are also many dust mites lurking in there . so it might be time for a change
This is the story of my life! Try an ice pack. They are cheaper than a new mattress, but it sounds like you need a new one. Start saving for a new one. You can buy a new one, depending on what size your bed is, for under $100. It may not be the best one in town, but it will be better than the one you have now. Plus, your efforts to save and help yourself my prompt your dad to help you out.
Learn how to help your muscles - read The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies.
Magnisium and potassium are needed to help muscles act correctly.
Drinking enough water (or other NON sugar(s) drinks) are also important.
I have slept on the floor for over 40 years.
the mattress is too old for you to sleep on. it should retire ok.your father may not be educated and does not know that it is the mattress that is causing you problems. try discussing to him about getting a new mattress..after all, you are father and child. he cant possibly ignore you right?
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