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Quote: Originally posted by ldpdmp on 16/10/2012

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a bed is not going to cure a back pain     an osteopath did wonders for me and the bed never changed    it is important to get the core muscles active   sitting and lying around will not do this  pilates is a good way to get tne core musces going   once they are doing their job then back pain will be a thing of the past --  providing there is nothing wrong woth the basic structure of the skeleton      we all get our cars seen to annually  but how often do we go for an 'mot' on our backs    my osteopath recommends it but does not force you to do it  it is up to the patient to do the booking   he will not chase    always a good sign in a business  nest feathering does not come into it  

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Quote: Originally posted by KimC on 17/10/2012

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What's the difference in an osteopath and a chiropractor?

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Quote: Originally posted by chickric on 17/10/2012

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My sciatica was 'cured' by using this. Don't know if it would help you and would advise seeking a professional opinion first, but it certainly worked for me.

We also changed to a memory foam mattress and whilst it is very nice I can't say it did much for my back.

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I suffer from bad hip pain and sciatica and so bought a memory foam mattress on advice from others and it was a huge, expensive mistake.

Within a month I also had shoulder pain in bed and my hips were worse than ever, I couldn't lie on my side for more than a few minutes before having shooting pains. We spent £600 on the mattress and couldn't afford to swap it, I slept on my back for 2 years before taking it up the tip.

We've gone back to a normal pocket sprung mattress and it's much better.

Quote: Originally posted by Esther1 on 17/10/2012

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I suffer from bad hip pain and sciatica and so bought a memory foam mattress on advice from others and it was a huge, expensive mistake.

Within a month I also had shoulder pain in bed and my hips were worse than ever, I couldn't lie on my side for more than a few minutes before having shooting pains. We spent £600 on the mattress and couldn't afford to swap it, I slept on my back for 2 years before taking it up the tip.

We've gone back to a normal pocket sprung mattress and it's much better.

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I cannot see how the problem can be cured simply by changing a mattress.  It can help support the back properly of course - but only when the back has everything in the right place and working properly.  In many cases bad backs are caused by poor posture / poor seating / lack of flexibility / overwieight / etc.  Sorting any / all of these can only be of benefit.  A major element is related to the core muscles - lower back / abdominal - which support the body when it is upright.  By strengthening these over time - a bad back can be 'cured'.  A doctor / a physio / an osteo / a chiro can only do so much.  The patient has to do something to support the pills / the manipulation / the massage.

Give it a try

Quote: Originally posted by Esther1 on 17/10/2012

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I suffer from bad hip pain and sciatica and so bought a memory foam mattress on advice from others and it was a huge, expensive mistake.

Within a month I also had shoulder pain in bed and my hips were worse than ever, I couldn't lie on my side for more than a few minutes before having shooting pains. We spent £600 on the mattress and couldn't afford to swap it, I slept on my back for 2 years before taking it up the tip.

We've gone back to a normal pocket sprung mattress and it's much better.

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Completely agree with this.

I had sciatica for years after injuring my back carrying a ladder. An MRI  scan confirmed a prolapsed disc as the cause. We tried a memory foam mattress and it was awful. Clearly this is a question of personal preference but there was a basic 'fault' because as you turn over in bed the memory mattress often holds part of your body in place while the rest moves - so it twists you. It made things worse.

We were advised by people with similar back problems to try a pocket sprung mattress. The effect was immediate. A good bed can make a difference and im not the only one who found this. We paid for a Relyon bed, their strapline is 'The Best Beds in the World' (a big claim, but they get my vote!). It cost a pretty penny but im now four years on and only have the occasional flare up. Its also unbelievably comfortable.

A pocket sprung bed may not work for everyone and Its not specifically designed for people with injuries. but it kind of stands to reason - they are more comfortable than other beds  because they ensure the spine is positioned naturally and supported properly. So if your spine is in the right place then related injuries wont come under more strain while you sleep.  

I spent ages doing all sorts of exercises and making  lifestyle changes. A waste of time.  The bed was the best investment ever.

...no I dont work for Bensons!!

Quote: Originally posted by ldpdmp on 17/10/2012

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I cannot see how the problem can be cured simply by changing a mattress.  It can help support the back properly of course - but only when the back has everything in the right place and working properly.  In many cases bad backs are caused by poor posture / poor seating / lack of flexibility / overwieight / etc.  Sorting any / all of these can only be of benefit.  A major element is related to the core muscles - lower back / abdominal - which support the body when it is upright.  By strengthening these over time - a bad back can be 'cured'.  A doctor / a physio / an osteo / a chiro can only do so much.  The patient has to do something to support the pills / the manipulation / the massage.

Give it a try

No I'm not after a cure as such and I know age and the type of job I do is a contributory factor. I just want to be able to get a decent nights sleep to enable me to have enough energy to be able to face the day refreshed rather than a invalid.
I'm doing Pilates to strengthen my core muscles, my weight is fine, posture better than my teenagers (!!) and am generally fairly fit.
Just be nice to have some sleeeeeeeppppzzzzzzzz

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Quote: Originally posted by nynysuts on 17/10/2012

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I don't think we're talking curing as much as getting a good night's sleep here!

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Memory foam beds aren't right for everyone & can also be very difficult to get up from.  I'd also be inclined to go for a good quality pocket sprung bed that's the right firmness for you. 

Contrary to popular belief firm beds are not always best for bad backs either !  My son has a damaged spine & finds too firm bed is desperately uncomfortable & makes his pain & mobility a lot worse the next day.