Memory Foam Mattress Pads & Back Pain

What Causes Back Pain?

• Back paint affects approximately 90 percent of Americans at some point throughout their lifetime. More than half of this 90 percent will experience it repeatedly. Back pain is a symptom, and the causes may vary. The most common causes of back pain include muscle, bone or nerve injury.

Symptoms of Back Pain

• The most common symptom of back pain is an aching feeling in the lumbosacral area. This area is generally referred to as simply the lower back. Back pain can travel down the legs, and often increases with strenuous activity. Numbness may occur as well if back pain is associated with a damaged nerve.

Treatment of Back Pain

• Suggestions for the treatment of back pain generally include the use of nonprescription pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol. Topical heat rubs may also provide relief. Because back pain commonly increases at night, it is also suggested that those experiencing this problem invest in a memory foam mattress pad. Memory foam cells deform in a manner that allows the mattress pad to conform to individual body shapes. This technology reduces pressure points and provides overall comfort for an aching back.

How Does Memory Foam Work?

• Memory foam mattress toppers are made with Eco Cell technology. Eco Cell technology is the reason memory foam can conform to your individual curves. Unlike a regular foam mattress that consistently springs back into place when you move during sleeping, memory foam mattresses and mattress pads surround your body's shape, keeping your spine perfectly straight. Air from the Eco Cells simply spreads out into surrounding cells instead of being smashed and confined. This technology relieves painful pressure points in the back and allows you to rest easier.

Considering the Disadvantages

• When using a memory foam mattress pad, it is important to consider the disadvantages as well. Over 3,000 memory foam owners spilled the beans about possible negatives of purchasing a memory foam product on the website "Sleep Like the Dead." They voiced concerns about an initial chemical odor, lack of adjustable firmness and increased temperatures while sleeping.