If you experience regular back pain, you might think that it's related to your mattress. This can definitely be part of the problem, especially if you're sleeping on an old mattress. Nine out of ten people do better with a firm mattress, although some people say that they do better with a soft mattress. In general, a firm mattress helps to support the spine and joints in the body.
Sleeping Position is Critical With Back Pain
More important than a mattress is your sleeping position. Body position is critical to maintaining the correct curves in the spine and getting a sound sleep. So how should you position your body in order to protect your back, neck and other important parts of your spine?
Most experts agree that sleeping on your side is by far the best position for most people. However, if you're not used to sleeping on your side then it might be difficult at first. There are some things you can do to make it more comfortable and prevent you from turning over onto your back or stomach.
When sleeping on your side, make sure that you support your upper leg by putting a pillow between your knees. If you don't, you'll have a tendency to rotate the lower spine so that the top knee and thigh can slide forward onto the mattress. That rotation might cause further hip or back pain. You should also make sure that your pillow is firm enough to support your neck and head without causing you to have a kink in your neck from your shoulder pressing into the mattress.
If you have low back pain, you might find sleeping on your back is actually a better option. It's important to put a pillow under your knees to help you maintain the correct curve in your lower back. You can also try using a rolled up small towel under your lower back to give you more support. Of course, make sure to also support your neck by using a good pillow. Many people with low back pain find that this position allows them to get the most rest.
Some people insist that the only way they can sleep is on their abdomen. This is the worst way to sleep, but if you can't do it any other way then you need to use some modifications to reduce the strain on your back. You can do this by placing a pillow under your pelvis and lower abdominal area. You can use a flat pillow under your head if needed so that you can be comfortable. Using a bigger pillow can cause undue stress on your back. If you can sleep without a pillow under your head, even better.
If you're experiencing lower back pain and haven't been able to determine the cause, a trained pain specialist can help you get at the root of your problem. Pain specialists have access to high-tech equipment that can pinpoint the exact cause of your pain. Then, the specialist can create a specific treatment protocol for you.
Sleeping Position is Critical With Back Pain
More important than a mattress is your sleeping position. Body position is critical to maintaining the correct curves in the spine and getting a sound sleep. So how should you position your body in order to protect your back, neck and other important parts of your spine?
Most experts agree that sleeping on your side is by far the best position for most people. However, if you're not used to sleeping on your side then it might be difficult at first. There are some things you can do to make it more comfortable and prevent you from turning over onto your back or stomach.
When sleeping on your side, make sure that you support your upper leg by putting a pillow between your knees. If you don't, you'll have a tendency to rotate the lower spine so that the top knee and thigh can slide forward onto the mattress. That rotation might cause further hip or back pain. You should also make sure that your pillow is firm enough to support your neck and head without causing you to have a kink in your neck from your shoulder pressing into the mattress.
If you have low back pain, you might find sleeping on your back is actually a better option. It's important to put a pillow under your knees to help you maintain the correct curve in your lower back. You can also try using a rolled up small towel under your lower back to give you more support. Of course, make sure to also support your neck by using a good pillow. Many people with low back pain find that this position allows them to get the most rest.
Some people insist that the only way they can sleep is on their abdomen. This is the worst way to sleep, but if you can't do it any other way then you need to use some modifications to reduce the strain on your back. You can do this by placing a pillow under your pelvis and lower abdominal area. You can use a flat pillow under your head if needed so that you can be comfortable. Using a bigger pillow can cause undue stress on your back. If you can sleep without a pillow under your head, even better.
If you're experiencing lower back pain and haven't been able to determine the cause, a trained pain specialist can help you get at the root of your problem. Pain specialists have access to high-tech equipment that can pinpoint the exact cause of your pain. Then, the specialist can create a specific treatment protocol for you.
Dr. Joe Cilea, DO, is the founder of Advanced Wellness http://www.advanced-wellness.net, a multi-disciplinary practice dedicated to your good health since 1997. Located in Marlboro New Jersey and serving Monmouth County, Dr. Cilea and his staff are focused on helping you with pain relief, physical therapy, speeding recovery from sports injuries, arthritis, migraines, whiplash, and osteoporosis. Offering a full array of chiropractic services for your health and well being, call Advanced Wellness for a consultation (732) 917-4624. You can read more about the specific services and techniques we offer on our website.
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