Can the way I sleep impact on my back pain?

Having and maintaining good posture is a major step in preventing back and neck pain. With our hectic lifestyles these days, it is tough to find time to take care of ourselves and see our health with a preventative outlook. Altering just a few things in your daily life can help improve your posture. Most of us are aware of sitting in work in a supported seat, not rounding our shoulders while at the desk etc.. But what about when you are in bed, asleep? Can the way you sleep impact on your back pain? Your posture when sleeping can contribute to problems…..

How is your sleep posture?

This may come as a surprise to many, however, if you maintain an awkward position for six to seven hours this may lead to further problems down the line. Try a sleeping position which creates the least physical stress on the body.  Lying on your side and not on your front is best. Lying on your front often causes people to twist their neck and elevate their arm/s. This position also puts strain on the small of the back. For example, if you lie every night on your front with your head turned to the right, with your right arm elevated and your right knee hitched up too. Consider how this position may contribute to the developing and imbalance in the alignment of the hips, spine and muscles over time.

On waking, before even getting out of bed, try some simple stretches,  such as drawing your knees to your chest. When you have risen from lying on the bed take a few seconds to allow your body to adjust. Check out the short video below for some helpful advice on good and bad sleeping positions and check out another post from the clinic with top tips here. If you have any further questions regarding this topic please do not hesitate to contact the clinic here.

If you are suffering with back pain, shoulder pain, or are needing help recovering from injury, contact the clinic on 0871815007 to arrange your first visit at Natural Back Health. We are located in The Wisdom Centre, 25 Cork Street, Dublin 8.