Lower back pain/pelvic tilt /mattress suggestions

Posted by soph77 @soph77, Dec 11, 2023

Hi everyone,
I have posted before for pelvic tilt issues and am now having issues with my lower back. I am not sure if they are related.
I have been seeing a physiotherapist for pelvic tilt for a few months now, and I sometimes do feel better after I do my exercises but I feel like whenever I do something out of the noraml day to day stuff, the pain worsens. For example, I went to a party and wore heels (not stilettos, they are actually a comfortable pair). It was standing only, so by the end of the evening I was in a lot of pain - leg, back, and shoulders. I felt ok after a few days of physio.
We also recently got a new mattress and I feel like it is contributing to my back pain, since I didn't really have much lower back pain before. It is a tempurpedic, memory foam, firm mattress. We thought this would be better for our backs (my husband sometimes has issues as well). Although they say it takes of couple of weeks to breal in the mattress, I wake up stiff every morning and I am convinced it is because of the mattress. We have 100 days to return it and we have pretty much decided to return/exchange it. I understand if recommendations for brands are not permitted, but any suggestions for a type of mattress that is good for back pain would be appreciated (e.g. we are now considering spring coil, medium firmness).
Also, in addition to physiotherapy, I am considering asking my doctor for a recommendation to a specialist for my pelvic tilt/back issues, but I am not sure what type of doctor specializes in these issues? Would it be an orthopedist? Some other specialty? I think my physiotherapist is good and has helped me but I feel like I am not improving as much as I should be at this point.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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For what it’s worth, I am not a fan of the tempurpedic in spite of having spent a small fortune for one I’m thinking if you moved a lot in your sleep maybe it would be ok. But I don’t. So my “impression” turns into a hole I have to climb out of - and after I do I am stiff and sore. Like someone held me down all night.

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I personally have had a Split King sleep number bed for almost 12 years. I also have the adjustable base as well so I can put the feet up, or the head to read and watch TV or both. I do have to say they are really pricey as I paid about $5,000 when I got mine and now I believe they are almost double. I got an upgraded mattress that is much thicker than the ones that they come with. I absolutely love my bed and recently I was having some lower back pain so I adjusted my mattress to be on the firmer side (setting at 45) and it has made a huge difference. We prefer the split king because each side is adjustable to how we each want to sleep. It's like shoving two extra long twin mattresses beside one another so there is a small crack between the two which doesn't bother us at all. I actually stuff a pillow in it between our heads at the top because I use a cpap and my husband doesn't like it blowing on him (he hates fans too lol). I hope that helps you some. Maybe go into a store and try one but it's hard to gauge unless you actually sleep on it but I think there is a 30 day return policy (however you cannot return the adjustable base but I think can be used with other mattresses)

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@cindymattern

I personally have had a Split King sleep number bed for almost 12 years. I also have the adjustable base as well so I can put the feet up, or the head to read and watch TV or both. I do have to say they are really pricey as I paid about $5,000 when I got mine and now I believe they are almost double. I got an upgraded mattress that is much thicker than the ones that they come with. I absolutely love my bed and recently I was having some lower back pain so I adjusted my mattress to be on the firmer side (setting at 45) and it has made a huge difference. We prefer the split king because each side is adjustable to how we each want to sleep. It's like shoving two extra long twin mattresses beside one another so there is a small crack between the two which doesn't bother us at all. I actually stuff a pillow in it between our heads at the top because I use a cpap and my husband doesn't like it blowing on him (he hates fans too lol). I hope that helps you some. Maybe go into a store and try one but it's hard to gauge unless you actually sleep on it but I think there is a 30 day return policy (however you cannot return the adjustable base but I think can be used with other mattresses)

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I’ve been researching and am thinking the sleep number may be my next mattress. Good to hear your review.

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@soph77 if you find out what type of doctor can help pelvic.tilt/twist please post. I have been seeing a Pelvic PT for pelvic tilt but she is leaving to start her own business and will not take insurance. This seems to be a trend in my area. I have been to an ortho but he said to focus on core and posture and only did xray of my hip. My tilt has caused a cascade of effects... upper back and neck tension/discomfort and more. So tired and want a solution or at least someone who can help me with a plan.

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I was recently diagnosed with 4 herniated discs. One of my PT exercises is the pelvic tilt and for a similar strange reason my back hurts more after I do them. Will discuss with my therapist.
A really good mattress is priceless for back issues. We were on vacation when suddenly I developed severe back pain. I hated the mattress, my feet higher than my head and within 2 days developed excruciating back pain and subsequently diagnosed with the disc problem. Why all of a sudden? I blamed the mattress.
My mattress is Sterns & Foster and it's a firm and was expensive. Wish I went with the split one now and the sleep number. Good for you, you have this.
Have you had a spinal x-ray or CT scan? You could have multiple back issues. I have degenerative discs and spinal stenosis also. Thank you for your thoughts. The back is tricky and the number # 1 recommendation for a healthy back is exercise/walking.

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@pb50

For what it’s worth, I am not a fan of the tempurpedic in spite of having spent a small fortune for one I’m thinking if you moved a lot in your sleep maybe it would be ok. But I don’t. So my “impression” turns into a hole I have to climb out of - and after I do I am stiff and sore. Like someone held me down all night.

Jump to this post

What is the best chair for the living room? I have a recliner and it kills my neck, shoulders and spine. I was wondering what maybe you use?

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@pb50

For what it’s worth, I am not a fan of the tempurpedic in spite of having spent a small fortune for one I’m thinking if you moved a lot in your sleep maybe it would be ok. But I don’t. So my “impression” turns into a hole I have to climb out of - and after I do I am stiff and sore. Like someone held me down all night.

Jump to this post

I don't think I move too much. My husband actually jokes that our last mattress had a deep "impression" on my side because I don't move.

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@cindymattern

I personally have had a Split King sleep number bed for almost 12 years. I also have the adjustable base as well so I can put the feet up, or the head to read and watch TV or both. I do have to say they are really pricey as I paid about $5,000 when I got mine and now I believe they are almost double. I got an upgraded mattress that is much thicker than the ones that they come with. I absolutely love my bed and recently I was having some lower back pain so I adjusted my mattress to be on the firmer side (setting at 45) and it has made a huge difference. We prefer the split king because each side is adjustable to how we each want to sleep. It's like shoving two extra long twin mattresses beside one another so there is a small crack between the two which doesn't bother us at all. I actually stuff a pillow in it between our heads at the top because I use a cpap and my husband doesn't like it blowing on him (he hates fans too lol). I hope that helps you some. Maybe go into a store and try one but it's hard to gauge unless you actually sleep on it but I think there is a 30 day return policy (however you cannot return the adjustable base but I think can be used with other mattresses)

Jump to this post

Thank you for your input. I have not heard of Sleep Number but will look into it. We did see a few other brands with the split and adjustable bases but we decided against that for now.

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@leesal123

@soph77 if you find out what type of doctor can help pelvic.tilt/twist please post. I have been seeing a Pelvic PT for pelvic tilt but she is leaving to start her own business and will not take insurance. This seems to be a trend in my area. I have been to an ortho but he said to focus on core and posture and only did xray of my hip. My tilt has caused a cascade of effects... upper back and neck tension/discomfort and more. So tired and want a solution or at least someone who can help me with a plan.

Jump to this post

@leesal123 I am seeing my doctor this week and see what she recommends.
I have also been focussing on my core with my physiotherapist. I have not had any x-rays. It seems that x-rays are almost seen as a last resort (I am in Canada so things are different than in US).
The pelvic tilt was diagnosed by a sports medicine doctor. I went to see him for a different issue and he diagnosed the pelvic tilt based on the overall assessment.

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@briarrose

I was recently diagnosed with 4 herniated discs. One of my PT exercises is the pelvic tilt and for a similar strange reason my back hurts more after I do them. Will discuss with my therapist.
A really good mattress is priceless for back issues. We were on vacation when suddenly I developed severe back pain. I hated the mattress, my feet higher than my head and within 2 days developed excruciating back pain and subsequently diagnosed with the disc problem. Why all of a sudden? I blamed the mattress.
My mattress is Sterns & Foster and it's a firm and was expensive. Wish I went with the split one now and the sleep number. Good for you, you have this.
Have you had a spinal x-ray or CT scan? You could have multiple back issues. I have degenerative discs and spinal stenosis also. Thank you for your thoughts. The back is tricky and the number # 1 recommendation for a healthy back is exercise/walking.

Jump to this post

Thank you for your comments.
I have not had an x-ray or CT scans.
I will try to do more exercise and walking. I used to exercise a lot more, but in the last 1-2 years have slowed down and it seems that is when my issues started.

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