After a long night of sleeping, you’d expect to wake up feeling fresh and well-rested. But you woke up with your back feeling sore and painful. The culprit to your low back pain (LBP) might be your sleeping position.
People looking for an LBP chiropractor in Charlevoix ask the question, “Can my sleeping position hurt my back?” The definite answer to this question is yes.
If you hear the term “back pain,” you’ll most likely think about accidents, signs of aging, and spinal disorder. Rarely you would believe it stems from the way you sleep. Poor sleeping positions directly affect the curvature of your spine. Most individuals do not realize how their sleeping position can harm their backs. It’s no wonder that back pain is one of the most common reasons people come to the hospital.
On average, we need to sleep at least 8 hours every night. Many people even invest in expensive mattresses and beddings to get maximum comfort when sleeping. Some even use noise machines and scent diffusers for extra comfort and better sleep. However, these methods might not work as much as you want them to when you ignore how you are sleeping.
Today, we’ll look at different sleeping positions and rank them from worst to best for back pains.
Which Sleeping Position is Best or Worst for Your Back Pain?
Worst: Sleeping on your belly
You might find comfort in sleeping on your belly. However, this position is extremely taxing on your back: bones, joints, and all. Stomach sleepers need to turn their necks to the side to breathe. Staying in this position for an entire night adds unnecessary strain and pressure towards the spine. Hence, stomach sleepers are the most vulnerable to back pain and other issues.
If you cannot give up sleeping on your belly, at least place a pillow or cushion on your abdomen to relieve strain from your spine. We usually advise stomach sleepers who seek help from our LBP chiropractor in Charlevoix to use a soft pillow on their heads.
Bad: Sleeping in a reclined position
Sleeping in a reclined position or propping your head higher than your body can benefit those with breathing issues. If you have recurrent back pains, this sleeping position might be bad for you.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and low back pain, download our free e-book by clicking the image below.
Good: Sleeping in the fetal position
The fetal position involves sleeping on your side with your knees close to your chest. Sleeping in a fetal position is pretty beneficial if you have a herniated disc. The curved position can help expand the gaps between your spine, relieving pain and tension from the herniation.
Better: Sleeping on your side
Sleeping on your side helps with blood circulation and digestion. It does not add much pressure to the spine compared to sleeping on your stomach. Just make sure to switch sides every now and then, preventing scoliosis and unevenness in your back muscles.
You can further improve this sleeping position by placing a pillow between your legs. You can roll up a towel or use a small pillow between the mattress and your waist for added support in keeping the shape of your spine. When you sleep on your side, use a pillow on the firmer side to support your neck and head well.
Best: Sleeping on your back
If you suffer from persistent back pain, try out sleeping on your back. Lying flat on your back allows the spine to stay in its natural shape and angle. Given that this position distributes your weight evenly, your back does not need to support your body weight. Hence, this position puts the least strain on your spine.
We advise those who look for an LBP chiropractor in Charlevoix to place a pillow between their legs and the mattress for additional comfort and better circulation.
What Other Things Cause Back Pain?
The spine is formed by a mix of several components: muscles, bones, ligaments, joints, and discs. Any issue that develops in these parts can make you at risk of back pain. Some of the classic reasons for back pain are:
- Muscle strains
- Disc ruptures or herniation
- Joint irritation
- Excess stress and tension
Excess weight, age, and getting involved in an accident that harmed your neck or head are other risk factors for developing back pain.
If you have underlying conditions like a pinched nerve, arthritis, kidney infection, degenerative disc disease, and other bone or joint disorders, you might experience back pain. You’ll need the help of a doctor or an LBP chiropractor in Charlevoix to resolve your back issues, in this case.
How an LBP Chiropractor in Charlevoix Can Ease Back Pain
The spine, like other body parts, functions as a whole. When you crane your head forward, your neck would have to adjust along with the rest of the spine. It’s sufficient to say that an injury in one spinal region can affect the whole spine.
The upper cervical spine consists of the two topmost bones in the neck. These bones are essential components that allow head movements. Not only that, but they also shield the brainstem from external damage. However, suppose the issue is internal, like a misalignment. In that case, it can directly affect the messages between the brain and body and blood circulation. Both of these consequences can increase the risk of developing back pains.
Here at Ricks McClure Chiropractic, we offer the NUCCA procedure to correct spinal misalignments. This procedure is incredibly safe and gentle– the only thing you’ll feel is relief and comfort after a successful adjustment.
Many of our clients agree that it has dramatically improved their conditions. If you want to experience the same relief, request a consultation with us today. Call us at 231-227-4493 or request a consultation online. We’ll be happy to answer your questions about NUCCA adjustments and how they can improve your back pains.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. McClure, call our Charlevoix office at 231-227-4493. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
