Is your sleep position contributing to your back pain? Your sleeping position can determine what your body feels like in the morning. It can cause temporary back pain and other ailments. Sleeping in an uncomfortable or dangerous position is known as bad bed posture. – and it can worsen a backache or provoke an adverse spine condition.
Besides your sleep, back pain is also affected by improper posture, physical stress, and strain factors. Your spine is equally affected while asleep – the posture your body lays in while sleeping can negatively impact your spinal column.
According to Coastal Orthopaedics, your posture while sleeping – besides a few tosses and turns – is maintained several hours in a row. If your body is crooked, twisted, pinned or in a strange position while you sleep, it does not hurt as much as when you are awake.
Sleeping Position Contributing To Back Pain: Sleeping On Your Side
Sleeping on your side may feel comfortable to you, but when done every night, you cause your back to pull still and imbalance your alignment. The middle part of your back is suspended when you sleep on it too often and can disproportion your spine.
Evidence shows that if you sleep on one side a lot, it suspends the middle of your body between your hips and shoulders. A pillow between your knees keeps your hips, pelvis and spine aligned.
Lower back pain is one of the leading causes of disability. If you have chronic pain in your lower back, visit your health practitioner immediately.
Sleeping On Your Back To Reduce Back Pain
A well-made innerspring or foam mattress is suitable for your spine. You can also add a foam mattress topper with an innerspring to add support to your back and spine. If you alter your sleep position or make use of pillows, it can assist in keeping your spine neutral.
Sleeping on your back is the optimal sleeping position because your weight is evenly distributed across the broadest surface of your body. This specific position minimises pressure points and properly aligns your internal organs.
With a small pillow under your knees, additional support maintains the natural curve of your spine.
Foetal Sleeping Position Contributing To Back Pain
The foetal position is very popular because it is the first sleep position. It can make you feel stiff when you wake up because you curled up too tight. As you get older, your muscles, ligaments and tendons aren’t as elastic as they once were, resulting in soreness from the foetal position.
The best way to sleep in this position without affecting your back is with a loose body position and an untuck chin. Try not to curl your wrists and for hip pain, place a pillow between your legs.
Sleeping With A Pillow Under Your Stomach
Sleeping on your back is known as the worst sleeping position. However, if you enjoy sleeping this way, place a slim pillow beneath your hips and stomach to raise your mid-section. This method helps to improve your spine’s alignment.
Support Your Head And Knees
A head pillow supports the innate posture of your neck and back. When sleeping, do not raise your head too much because it can stress your neck and back. A head pillow is designed to fill the gap between your neck and mattress and is replaceable after 12 to 18 months.
Sleeping on your back affects your knees. Put a pillow under your knees to make the sleeping position more comfortable for your lower back and spine. A small pillow or rolled-up towel under your is also helpful to keep your spine neutral and protect the natural curve of your lower back.
Take Note Of Your Body Shape
Your body shape tells you what type of support is necessary when sleeping. If you have wide hips and a tiny waist, a soft mattress can hold the width of your pelvis and keeps your spine neutral. However, if your hips and waist fall into a straight line, try a rigid surface because it will offer your back better support.
Is Your Bed Causing Your Back Pain?
Sleeping is meant to be the most relaxing time of your day. If it is not and your back, spine, and general health are suffering, speak to a spine expert. The expert can determine where your pain issues come from and if your posture is contributing.
Perhaps you need to change your bedroom set and settle on new sleeping habits. Not only will you find relief, but everyone loves a new bed set – it makes you look forward to going to sleep.
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