Chiropractors are threatening to "name and shame" hotels and holiday homes that provide beds so uncomfortable they damage their guests' backs.
Chiropractors says they have been inundated with patients seeking help for bad backs caused by inferior beds, mattresses and pillows in popular holiday accommodation.
Even some well-known and expensive lodgings had "quite appalling" bedding, said Mary Papatheocharous, president of the NSW branch of the Chiropractors' Association of Australia.
"Every year at this time it's the same, with patients dragging themselves in to get help with spinal and associated problems caused by inadequate beds," Ms Papatheocharous said.
"One of our members has been treating a man who was forced to spend three nights sleeping on the floor of a Gold Coast apartment because the bed was so bad.
"As a result he suffered a cervical (neck) sprain."
The association called for tourist operators to "pay more attention to the quality of the bedding provided" or risk being publicly named.
"We are now considering a proposal to name them and shame them by establishing an annual awards system which identifies the best and the worst when it comes to beds," Ms Papatheocharous said.
The main problems caused by bad bedding included lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, and pins and needles in the hands or legs, the specialists said.
"These symptoms may only last a short time, but can be more serious depending on how long they are spending in the bad bed and if any underlying conditions exist for that individual," she said.
The quality of the bedding provided at some well-known and expensive tourist accommodation was "quite appalling".
"Unfortunately a five star accommodation rating is no guarantee of bedding quality," said Ms Papatheocharous, who recommends her patients travel with their own pillow to prevent neck and spinal problems.
Source: smh.com.au
