We all know the importance of choosing a good mattress to ensure a correct sleeping position, therefore aiding a restful night’s sleep. Whether it’s memory foam, latex or coiled spring, the range of mattresses on the market today is vast. You can even get computer-aided assistance in choosing the perfect mattress, tailor-made for your body.
But when you’re away from home?
A cheap hotel bed can ruin your holiday or your weekend away. And for those who travel frequently, it can be a real problem. Upper end hotel chains offer thicker, firmer, higher-quality mattresses to ensure the utmost comfort for their guests. But many of us can’t afford to stay in luxury five-star accommodation. Many people have to travel for necessity: Flight attendants, pilots, long–distance lorry drivers, sales representatives who don’t have a choice of where they can stay, never mind, what bed they are going to sleep in. Many of the cheaper hotel chains provide thin mattresses with little concern for back support. Some hotels will offer a wooden board to place under the mattress, but it will have little effect if the mattress is old and sagging. If your choice of sleeping accommodation away from home is limited, then here are some suggestions to ease back pain.
Self-Help Methods
For lower back pain, roll up a towel and place it under your lower spine. This will offer better support and fill the gap left from a poor quality, over-used mattress.
Place a pillow under your knees.
If you tend to sleep on your front, try sleeping without a pillow to alleviate neck and upper back pain.
Take a warm shower or bath before going to bed.
Visit a chiropractor to learn some effective back stretching exercises to strengthen and relax the muscles in your back.
Avoid lounging in bed for long periods. Use a chair or sit at a table if you are working on a computer. Propped up pillows offer poor support and prevent good posture.
Professional Help
If your back pain is acute then it is worth making an appointment with a chiropractic clinic. A trained chiropractor will use manual manipulation to re-align your musculoskeletal system and alleviate pain. Chiropractic treatment can be combined with massage therapy to treat chronic conditions. A good chiropractor will also advise you on self-help exercises to strengthen your back.
The Clifton-based Bristol Chiropractic Clinic incorporates chiropractic techniques with one to one exercise programmes for optimum back health. Contact us today for a consultation.