Can Mattresses cause Sciatica?

Did you know that 55% of people suffering from lower back pain reported sleep disturbances, according to a 2015 study?

What is Sciatica?

Sciatic is the burning pain from the sciatic nerve which runs down from the lower back, hips, buttocks to the feet on each leg. This can be caused because of irritation or compression of this nerve.

The Effects of Sciatica

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Affecting posture

So, Does Mattress cause Sciatica?

The answer is no – not directly. Mattresses aren’t the root cause of Sciatica. However, a poor mattress that doesn’t cushion or support your lower back can intensify the symptoms of Sciatica.

A mattress must be able to alleviate pain and soreness to allow recovery, as well as providing some good shuteye. So, it plays an important role in your health and can contribute in helping Sciatica go away in 4-6 weeks, which is the optimum recovery period it should take.

What does cause Sciatica?

It is known that Sciatica develops over a period, and not because of a poor mattress, an injury, a fall, or a genetic predisposition.

It is because of those who have an occupation that requires a certain type of constrained/awkward positioning of their body, such as bus drivers, truck drivers, machine operators. Can you imagine that strain they may be putting on their lower back muscles?

As this is a condition that developed over period, it is usually people who are 40 years old who report a sciatic condition and is rare if occurred before the age of 20.

What is the Best Type of Mattress for Sciatica?

A vital part of recovering from Sciatica is to pick your mattress correctly and to finally get some good rest and support for those muscles and nerves.

• Memory foam mattress: This is the best type of mattress, as provides support the body, especially the lower back as it contours to the body. A great support for back and stomach sleepers. This mattress retains heat, so it is unlikely for a cooler sleep.
• Latex: This type of mattress provides bounce, softness, and support to alleviate pain and provide support by using steel coils. It is a breathable mattress and has cooling sleep provisions (doesn’t retain heat) as opposed to memory foam.
• Innerspring : The use of coils for support. More breathable, and so cooler sleep than memory foam mattress.
• Hybrid: A combination of foam and spring, to provide a more comfortable and supportive sleep. Helps spine alignment and supports pressure points. Used for all type of sleepers and is for a firmer than softer support.