Tag Archive for 'Low Back Pain'

Is Your Mattress Causing Back Pain

Published
by
Dr. Edward Gould
on February 24, 2008
in Cincinnati Chiropractors and Wellness 101
. 0 Comments

hammock.bmpMany people sleep on older mattresses. By definition, your mattress is older if it is between 8 and 10 years old. Over time your mattress loses its ability to properly support your body. Like many things, this happens slowly over time, so we rarely notice it. What we do notice however, is we are not sleeping soundly or we wake up feeling stiff and in some cases in pain.

The typical older mattress causes what I call “hammocking” of your body. Imagine what your body would look like laying in a hammock. Your feet and head are higher than your bottom. Lying like this for several hours can cause a variety of things to happen to the spine. In your lower back it causes the forward curve of the spine to flatten out. This in-turn causes the spinal joints in your lower back to spread apart, in many cases causing muscle spasm to occur.

If you suffer from back pain it may be due to your mattress and box-springs. Check to see if your mattress has lost its ability to support your body weight. Have someone stand at the side of the bed while you lay in the center of the mattress on your back. Ask them if you are hammocking. If so, it’s time to shop for a new mattress and box-spring.

People always ask me what is the best type of mattress and box-spring. I always tell them that it is a very individual thing. You can spend several hundred, to several thousands of dollars on a mattress and box-springs and find yourself very dissatisfied after several nights of use. Just remember, all mattresses and box-springs have pros & cons.

What you are looking for is a mattress that is both comfortable and offers adequate spinal support. In the majority of cases, a medium to firm mattress with a pillow top usually does the trick.

When you are shopping go to a variety of stores. Don’t be in a hurry and do not allow the salesman to sell you, allow your spine to tell you. When you lay on a mattress and your body and spine go Ahhhhhhh! You know you have found a good one.

Let me know if this has been helpful?

Yours in Health,

Dr. Gould

Facet Syndrome

Published
by
Dr. Edward Gould
on February 8, 2008
in Facet Syndrome
. 0 Comments

facet-2.jpgfacet-2.jpgFacet Syndrome occurs when the joints of the spine jam. Jamming of the spinal joints usually occurs with hyperextension (excessive backwards motion). Jamming can also be caused form congenital postural problems or obesity. The spinal joints are designed to allow a certain amount of extension, if this amount is exceeded; the spinal joints become damaged, inflamed and very painful. If you bend backwards and it hurts, that is usually an indication that you may have a facet syndrome.

Our spine has four curves. It is these curves that give us amazing flexibility. However, if the curve flattens out or increases problems can occur. Facet syndrome is usually seen in the lumbar spine or lower back. It happens when there is an increase or an accentuation of the lumbar curve. This increased curve is called a hyperlordosis. A hyperlordotic spine is predisposed to this type of syndrome due to the increased load it puts on the facets and joint capsule.

I have treated many people in the Cincinnati area that have had facet syndrome. Spinal adjustments coupled with home exercises are very effective at eliminating this syndrome. Like most neuromuscular problems, it is best to seek out treatment early. The longer you wait the more difficult your case becomes.