One thing I would like to see studied is the role of beds in back pain. I'm not talking about the soft beds versus firm beds, but the role of beds versus no beds. Hunter-gatherers slept on firm ground every night. Today, most everyone sleeps on a large, soft mattress. Isn't it possible that sleeping each night on such a soft surface could cause problems, such as posture problems or back pain?
I see parallels with the barefoot running movement. Putting lots of material between the foot and the ground can throw off running mechanics. Couldn't lots of material between the spine and the ground at night also cause dysfunction?
Unfortunately, I have not seen any research comparing sleeping on the ground versus a mattress. I am sure the mattress companies will not be funding any such research. I found some anecdotal evidence here and there about people sleeping on the ground and improving their back pain.
I did make one other connection. In the Egoscue Method, one of the main exercises for relieving back pain is the "static back". The exercise is very simple - all you do is lie on your back on the floor with your legs up. That's it. If this exercise is effective, it could be because it simulates laying or sleeping on the ground - something that undoubtedly happened much more in ancient times than today.
One thing I would like to see studied is the role of beds in back pain. I'm not talking about the soft beds versus firm beds, but the role of beds versus no beds. Hunter-gatherers slept on firm ground every night. Today, most everyone sleeps on a large, soft mattress. Isn't it possible that sleeping each night on such a soft surface could cause problems, such as posture problems or back pain?
I see parallels with the barefoot running movement. Putting lots of material between the foot and the ground can throw off running mechanics. Couldn't lots of material between the spine and the ground at night also cause dysfunction?
Unfortunately, I have not seen any research comparing sleeping on the ground versus a mattress. I am sure the mattress companies will not be funding any such research. I found some anecdotal evidence here and there about people sleeping on the ground and improving their back pain.
I did make one other connection. In the Egoscue Method, one of the main exercises for relieving back pain is the "static back". The exercise is very simple - all you do is lie on your back on the floor with your legs up. That's it. If this exercise is effective, it could be because it simulates laying or sleeping on the ground - something that undoubtedly happened much more in ancient times than today.