Waterbeds and Back Pain: Understanding the Connection

In many cases, waterbeds can take the pressure off a bad back by distributing the sufferer's body weight evenly across a water-filled mattress.

Description

• Dream Waterbeds defines a waterbed as a bed with a mattress designed to hold water instead of traditional cushions or springs.

Backache and Standard Beds

• A standard bed tends to force its occupant to lie flat, rotating the pelvis and creating an unnatural arch in the lower back than can cause or worsen back pain, according to the Waterbeds in South Wales website.

Backache and Waterbeds

• The water in a waterbed distributes body weight evenly, supporting all parts of the body and taking pressure off the spine so back muscles have a chance to relax.

Heat

• Heat helps muscles loosen up and relax. A heated waterbed can soothe back muscles while improving circulation.

Disadvantages

• Not all waterbeds relieve back pain. McGill Student Health Service warns that some waterbeds may provide insufficient support for bad backs. Additionally, the heating function can raise energy bills, while non-standard sized mattresses can make shopping for sheets difficult, according to Dream Waterbeds.