Back pain is a beast.
And my personal experience with it has been a rollercoaster of discouragement, frustration, and hopelessness.
When you tell somebody you struggle with back pain, some common responses are…
“Have you tried yoga?”
“What do they think it is?” (who’s they?)
“Have you tried to find the best bed for back pain?”
While I do appreciate the suggestions, as somebody who’s been through 14+ years of back pain, trust me I’ve tried EVERYTHING.
The Cause of my Back Pain
My back pain started when I was newly married and in the trenches of nursing school in 2002. I woke up one morning somehow crooked to the left. It was impossible for me to stand straight. I had a couple chiropractic adjustments, took some ibuprofen, and was on my merry little naive way. Two weeks later, I found out I was pregnant with my first child and I didn’t give my back a second thought until after I had my adorable baby and the back pain started to creep in again. Regular adjustments at the chiropractor did help, but the pain never went away, and it got worse every time I tried to workout, so I took it easy and just focused on my adorable family.
Fast forward 2 years and I was pregnant again with my daughter. Post-birth there I was, at it again, trying to workout and feeling horrible back pain, but this time it was much worse. For the next 6 years, I did everything I could to “figure out this back thing”. I spent tens of thousands of dollars on chiropractors, massage therapists, specialists, physical therapists, pain specialists, along with a few quacks tossed in along the way.
In 2007, I found myself sitting in a surgeon’s office at the ripe old age of 26. He looked at my xrays and told me everything I’d already heard a million times — that I had two bulging discs and that surgery was the most likely option.
So we did surgery (endoscopic discectomy on L4-L5 and L5-S1), but it wasn’t the fairytale ending I was promised it would be. A couple years after the surgery the pain was back. It was slightly different, but it was back. Now I had back pain with a side of sciatica. Good times.
Despite my best efforts at watching how I lifted and taking care of my health, flare ups would happen every few months like clockwork. Life was hell, and I couldn’t enjoy my family or experience life like I wanted to. It got worse to where I could only walk a short distance – maybe 1/4 a mile – before I’d be in pain.
So back to the surgeon in 2009 I went, defeated and sobbing about how nothing was ever going to get better. Another MRI showed a small bulge but nothing too serious, yet, we decided on another back surgery. That decision ended up being an incredibly bad decision. Turns out the pain I was experiencing this second time around wasn’t coming from the disc, but from untrained & fatigued muscles around my hips & back. The surgery did nothing more than cause nerve damage, and give me the worst epidural headache which brought me back to the operating room to repair. It was a rough time for me.
I had little options left. I could live with the pain or I could do a complete disc replacement surgery.
I didn’t want to do either. My experience with surgery wasn’t a raving success and I felt that the problem was deeper than just having some “crappy discs”.
So I headed back to natural methods and did my rounds at more chiropractors, diets, devices, and really anything that sounded like it might help.
And, spoiler alert, none of them helped.
The real cause of my back pain is from my body trying to create stability in my hips and in doing so, it tightens accessory muscles & creates fatigue in those areas. My most common recurring issue is to have a pelvic upslip, where the muscles on my right side from my shoulder, all the way to my hip tighten and pull my right leg shorter. This causes stress on my sacrum & low back, which was what was causing the disc bulges, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, sciatica, and more. I can feel it the moment my pelvis rotates and my sacrum comes out. I lose the rotation in my right hip and sciatica develops within hours. What’s interesting is I can usually associate this misalignment to a moment of stress or frustration in my day, so I really have to make sure I keep my emotions in check and watch the tension build up in my body. Also, making sure I had the best bed for back pain did wonders for me.
Where I finally found improvement
Instead, these people empowered me to take my life back into my own hands by teaching me how my body works and how to accept where I am, yet work towards improvement. Frustration and hopelessness at your body’s current situation, surprisingly, can aggravate your current situation. A good dose of acceptance + doing very specific mobility exercises made a huge improvement.
The first person that helped me the most was a local myopractor, Brian Trotter. A myopractor believes that untrained & fatigued muscles are the cause of misalignment, even disc bulges (opposite of chiropractors, who believe the bones are the culprits). My myopractor has always been able to get my body out of pain the fastest and can tell me exactly which muscle was the culprit, and what I could do to make it better. He never played the “come a bazillion times or else you’ll never get better” game that comes from most chiropractors. He got me out of pain the quickest and inspired me to train my body to work better.
The second person that helped me was the wonderful, Kate Galliett. I cannot say enough good things about her. She has taught me how my body isn’t trying to kill me, it’s just responding to the cues it’s been given, and that a pain free body is a mobile one. Her exercises are very unique because instead of focusing on just “strengthening your core” that you’ll find in most clinics, she has helped me focus on the mobility in all my joints and expanding my range to help my muscles work at their best. Getting my hips to have full range of motion (and strength in mid & end range positions) eased the pressure off my back because now my hips do the work they were meant to instead of using the back muscles to compensate. I still have improvement to make, but now I have full confidence in my future.
The Importance of Sleep in Pain Recovery
The importance of a really good night’s sleep was brought to my attention by my thyroid specialist. He is currently helping me recover from hypothyroidism and a part of that was to really focus on getting a good night’s sleep. Years of chronic pain (and trying to figure this whole thing out!) had done a number on my stress levels and my thyroid function. Balancing hormones and eating a healthy diet was just one part of the equation, I also had to make sure I was getting a good night’s sleep.
And most importantly, for my muscles & discs to fully repair, I needed to make sure that I was sleeping on a bed that supported that. I needed to find the best bed for back pain.
So, mattress-shopping I went.
My current mattress was pretty dismal. It definitely was NOT the best bed for back pain. I was on a standard spring bed that I’d topped with a memory foam pad. I was tossing and turning each night and waking up stiff, so I knew I needed something better, but which would be the best bed for back pain?
I started by asking friends & family. Lots of people recommended shopping at Costco or Amazon, so I looked around there. And while I did find some off-brand foam mattresses, I could never get on board with the toxic synthetics that came with them.
My thyroid doctor wanted me to reduce my exposure to hormone disruptors and wanted me to try my best to avoid chemicals in my home. Yeah, easier said than done, right?
I shifted my search to a mattress that would be non-toxic but also great for back pain.
Was that even possible?
The Best Bed for Back Pain
I don’t know if you’ve ever been online mattress shopping, but for me the choices were daunting, the prices were exorbitant, and the idea of shipping something that huge to my house and having no clue how I’d return it if I hated it was enough to make me give up.
After months of searching for a non-toxic AND back-friendly mattress, I finally settled on an Intellibed mattress.
And holy @&^%, it changed my life.
Maybe it was because I’d slept on a cheap mattresses my whole life, no — I’m certain of it. This was hands down the best bed for back pain. No stiffness or tossing & turning. I’m experiencing the kind of sleep I had as a kid where I felt like I slept in the same position all night. Remember that?
Pros vs. Cons of an Intellibed Mattress
Mattress shopping is a doozy (especially non-toxic/best bed for back pain shopping), so hopefully my research will save you some work. (There’s also a lot of good info about Intellibed on this article here.)
CONS
- I’ll just come out and say it. The mattress wasn’t cheap. With my history of pain, though, and with the list of pros below, you’ll see why it was worth it.
- It took about a week to get used to. The first night I snuggled into it, I had a bit of a heart attack thinking this wasn’t going to be good for my back at all.
- I’m not a fan of the pillows. I don’t know why, I just couldn’t get comfortable on them after months of trying. My husband, however, loves his pillow.
PROS
- First morning I woke up, hands down, I felt better than I’d ever had. Past mornings had me slowly getting out of bed, but now I spring right out of bed like a spring chicken.
- As far as spinal alignment and pressure relief goes, Intellibed is rated at the top. They initially sought out chiropractors & completed studies to test out the effectiveness of their mattress. I loved this bit of info when I learned it, because I love that their purpose was pain-relief from the beginning. The science behind why their mattresses work better for those of us with bad backs is that inside each mattress is this Intelli-gel, which collapses under a certain amount of pressure. So, when you lay on it, you’ll notice that it will give under your hips & shoulders, but fill up the space in your waist & legs. It essentially equalizes the pressure down your entire body which keeps all the pressure off your joints & spine, which makes it the best bed for back pain.
- They don’t break down & they have a 30 year warranty.
- They have a 60-day trial period. You can sleep on it for 60 days to really decide if you love it.
- They cover the RETURN SHIPPING, if you decide to return it. That was a big relief for me.
- THIS IS A BIG ONE — it has a neutral temperature, which means you sleep nice & cool. Seriously, this was the biggest setback in all the other mattresses I found. Living in Arizona means we get hotter than hell for half of the year. I had to know I wasn’t going to overheat. The worst thing to me is sleeping in a sweaty, hot bed.
- The bed is NON-TOXIC. It has stainless steel springs & every part of it is certified free of flame retardants & those common chemicals you’ll find in standard mattresses. There is no off-gassing of hormone-disrupting chemicals I need to worry about now. (I was mostly worried about PBDE compounds I’d be breathing in while I sleep — no thank you!)
- Finally, what sold it for me were the incredible reviews for Intellibed. They could not be matched by any other company.
(FYI, the bed I got from Intellibed was the Posture Perfect Lo-Motion)
Taking care of your back (and your sleep)
Making my sleep a priority was long overdue for me. I really needed to do this for me, to take care of my thyroid, hormones, and help my back fully recover each night. Our bodies are meant to recover at night, and we need to do all we can to support that.
I truly have been amazed at what a difference it’s been sleeping on this bed now for 6 months. This is definitely the best bed for back pain, in my opinion.
If you’re suffering with back pain, my heart goes out to you. Going through pain and feeling so discouraged is something I know too well. I hope you can find relief and experience life like you used to.
thanks for the recommendation.
Dear DaNelle, I know tis article was written a while ago but I hope I can get a reply. I have been suffering with similar issues as you but sadly in Ontario, Canda we do not have myopractors and I have already explored my share of osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chriropractors who cannot seem to diagnose the SI joint problem properly nor give any long term solutions. Being at the end of my rope here in complete dispair I wouldn’t mind travelling to meet Brian Trotter to get a correct diagnosis and some insight. A little bit of research showed that Dr. Brian Trotter had a practice in Pheonix, Arizona called “Trotter Therapy”. Is this the correct practice and doctor? If so, I am so sad to report he no longer has a practice! I would have flew down to meet him as my mother resides in Glendale, Arizona so it would have worked perfectly. Or perhaps I got the wrong person and practice? Could you recommend anyone else or is there a way to get in touch with Dr. Trotter to see if he can recommend anyone if he no longer practices?
Thank you for this wealth of information. I thank you in advance for some guidance or reply to this note.
My best regards and warmest wishes,
Alexandra
Hi Alexandra-
I am so sorry for all you have gone through. DaNelle said that Dr. Trotter doesn’t have his practice anymore, and only adjust family & friends now. However, she HIGHLY recommends Vinny at Pain Academy. It’s an online course to teach you how to correct your posture issues. It’s made a HUGE difference in her life.
Best of luck with everything.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
You need to look up si exercises online, find a pt who beliefs or specializes in si joint exercises. My dad found them online 30 years ago for my mom and as a pt introduced them to his va work place. There is a si belt that cost about 100 dollars but it works better than the back braces and work out belts I’ve used for years. Good luck finding help getting and keeping it in place. She described what my dad has been doing for years. Once you get you si back in place stack pillows under your knees to stabilize the joint and wear a brace to keep it in place, good luck.
Eat well, sleep well to enjoy a happy life. Thanks for this knowledgeable article.
I am so curious how this Intellibed compares to a similar polymer grid technology mattress under the name of Purple. I have tried to look up various comparisons and reviews and it seems that the price point of the Purple is a lot better but is the technology on par with the Inellibed? I wish someone with SI joint dysfunction could test these all out and give us a review breakdown.
As I sit here in lower back pain searching for relief, I came across your review. It’s GREAT! Thank you for sharing. I’m going to certainly look into this mattress. I know this is an older post. I don’t see the coupon code referenced in an earlier comment. Is it still available? Thanks again!
Hi Kimberly-
I’m sorry the coupon code is expired.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Thank you, DaNelle!
My back is okie but my dad had some issues with it. This article is very useful. Definitely look into these for him.
Holy moly you weren’t kidding about the price! It must feel incredible though if they’re able to ask for so much. Unfortunately I can’t afford a mattress that costs a little less than my car at the moment so I’ll have to settle for my trusty old (crappy) spring mattress. But once I earn my million dollars, one of these will be one of the first things I get 😉
My wife had issues with her back hurting with our old mattress, so we gave LuxiSleep.com a try. Since we have been sleeping on this Luxi Mattress her back has not hurt at all. We both have been using the soft setting. This is the first foam mattress we have ever bought so I had never slept on one. To change the firmness is also very easy with the zipper cover and only takes a couple of minutes. We have had the mattress only for a couple of weeks and so far, we are completely satisfied with the mattress. We find this mattress super comfortable and would recommend to others to try LuxiSleep.com.
Do you have a specific website that I can use for the muscle exercises? You see thousands of dollars later and recent back surgery has not yet helped me either. Only when I workout is when it flares. I will definitely check out the bed though too.
Hi Katherine, head over to https://fitforreallife.com/ or check out her facebook page. There are LOADS of free videos to watch.
Hello,
I generally have a problem of lower back pain. I thought sleeping on the floor would reduce it, but it never helped. While searching measures to cure lower back pain, I found your article. It was really helpful. I could realize that one of the reasons for my back pain would be usage of wrong mattress. I have bought this new mattress and fortunately my back problem has reduced to level that I can move around and sleep relaxed at night. Thank you for the help!
Thank you
Janna Jamieson
You’re welcome, Janna!
I feel like you wrote this post all about my back pain except I’ve only been trying to figure it out for two years and have avoided surgery. We just got an Intellibed three days ago to see if it would help my back pain. How long did it take for you to really notice it was helping? I’m still waking up just as stiff and in pain as I was before. I’m definitely going to look into a myopractor, thanks for the tip!
Hi Sarah, it took me about a week or two to get used to, but after that I had a significant reduction in stiffness!
I swear I could’ve written this story without the surgery part & adding in a car accident which started it all. I’ve done EVERY natural treatment modality possible…nothing has helped. Today is my lucky day that I’ve stumbled upon this article. I WILL be saving for future references for sure. Restorative Yoga by far has been the best treatment. (I think I’m addicted.)
Thank you so much!!
April Pilet, RN, BSN
Mom/Creator
My Baby’s Bottom
Oh I’m so glad I could help, April, even if to just show you you’re not alone:) I’ll definitely look into Restorative Yoga as well!
Thank you Danelle for this helpful info. I too suffer with chronic pain and need a good mattress. I had heard of this mattress company. Hearing your opinion about might have just sealed the deal. Also, I had never heard of a myopracter either. Going to have to check on that as well.
I’m so glad I could help, Diane!
Interesting! Does the coupon code expire?
No, I’ve asked Intellibed to keep it active indefinitely!
I have never heard the term myopractor. I will investigate this. An article on the differences of a myopractor or more information would be a plus. I am finding only 3 listed in my area. This must be a newer field. I have never heard the term before today. Is there a society or organization that is best for the training of a myopractor?
Hi Sarah, you can read more about myopractic principles here: https://www.myopractic.com/
Oh. My. God. Thank you for this article. I’ve been following you for a few years now and knew about the history with your back and that you’re a real food, non-toxic-loving person, so as soon as I saw this post, I was all over it like a starving cat with a mouse. Could there finally be a bed that’ll give me a comfortable, restful sleep? And it’s non-toxic?! I’ve never had a good, restful night of sleep in my life, so I’m going to be saving up and looking forward to this mattress! Thank you!
Oh, I’m so glad I could help, Kristen!
Thank you so much for writing this! I have suffered with disc issues since my 20’s as well. I am now in my early 50’s, careful of what activities I do, but still in pain. Lugging water buckets for sheep and chickens has to be done! At this point, yoga is not even possible. I will look into this bed as well as a myopractor. Hope once more!
You’re welcome! I hope you can find relief, I’m in the same boat — the animals still have to be taken care of!
Thankfully, I dont have your back issues. But I do have trouble sleeping and I know it is due to a poor mattress. I will definitely look into these. Thanks for the good review!
You’re welcome, Jaime!
Since you’re in Arizona may I recommend to you Dr. Barry Malina. He is an osteopath. I’m not sure what part of town you’re in but his office is on Warner just off the 101. I too have run the gamut of practitioners to try to get a handle on my chronic pain and he is the only one that’s made a lasting difference.
Wow, thanks for the recommendation, Emily. If I have the pain come back again as severe as it was before I’ll check him out:)