How Your Sleeping Position Affects Your Back Pain

How Your Sleeping Position Affects Your Back Pain

The position we sleep in impacts how well-rested we are and how well our back is supported at night. Not only can back pain get in the way of a good night's rest, but poor sleeping posture can make existing back pain even worse.

In some cases, poor sleeping positions are the underlying cause of back pain. Certain sleeping postures can place unnecessary pressure on the back. 

Maintaining the natural curve of the spine while sleeping is very important to protect yourself against back pain. Most people are creatures of habit, which means they often sleep in the same position each night.

If you're sleeping with poor posture, changing the way you sleep may be challenging, but not impossible. 

Now, let's discuss some sleeping positions that may be increasing your back pain. We'll provide alternatives that may help you sleep more comfortably without increased pain in the mornings.

Sleeping Positions that May Affect Back Pain 

1. Stomach Sleepers & Back Pain

Sleeping on the stomach may be the worst sleeping position out there. Laying on the abdomen will flex the back unnaturally and place strain on the ligaments around the spine. This makes it challenging to maintain a neutral sleeping position. 

What You Can Do: For those who simply must sleep on their stomach, place a pillow underneath the stomach and hips to help improve spinal alignment. This simple adjustment can relieve any stress that is placed on the space between the discs.

2. Side Sleepers & Back Symptoms

Sleeping on the side is a very popular and comfortable position for a lot of people. However, it can pull the spine out of position and cause strain on the low back.

The body often becomes twisted so the legs can rest side by side or on top of one another. 

What you Can Do: Placing a firm pillow between the knees so the legs are propped hip-width apart will help to keep the hips, pelvis, and spine in proper alignment.

Also, making sure you aren't always sleeping on the same side will help protect you from muscle imbalance.

3. Sleeping on your Back

This is the best sleeping position to ensure your head, neck, and back are aligned throughout the night.

 

However, to help maintain a normal spinal curve, place a pillow underneath the knees.

 

As a result, you will be placing less strain on your pressure points, and you'll also have a better alignment of your spine.

 

 

4. Sleeping in the Fetal Position

Those who are suffering from a herniated disc may want to try sleeping on the side in a fetal position.

 

The discs are a soft cushion between the vertebrae in the spine. When a herniation occurs, part of the disc pushes out of its normal space, which causes nerve pain and weakness.

 

Curling the torso into a fetal position will open the space between the vertebrae. 

 

 

5. All Sleeping Positions & Back Pain Relief

No matter which position you prefer, it's important that your body is lying flat on the bed with continuous support and full contact on the mattress.

 

Leaving gaps between the body and the surface of the mattress will not allow the body to get the full support that it needs, thus causing  unnecessary pain in the back. 

 

Seeing a Chiropractor for Back Pain Relief 

If you are suffering from back pain, consider contacting an experienced Chiropractor for diagnosis, treatment, and pain relief. 

At Florida Spine and Injury we have a team of experienced doctors who specialize in treating patients with back pain.

Regardless of how your pain began, waiting for it to heal on its own is never the best option. If you believe your pain began from improper sleeping positions, seeing a chiropractor to assess the damage is your best chance at making a quick and optimal recovery.

When you come to our clinic, we will provide an in-depth examination to find the source of your pain and treat it accordingly. We do not believe in only treating the symptoms of your pain. It's our goal to find out the cause of the pain so we can eliminate it at the source. 

Once your examination is complete, our chiropractors will provide you with a specialized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific recovery needs. We do not offer universal treatment plans. Each patient's treatment is based on their particular pain condition and recovery needs. 

The Chiropractors at Florida Spine and Injury offer a free consultation to those who are suffering from back pain. Click the link below to schedule an appointment with one of our exceptional Back Pain Doctors today. 

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