Does Your Sleeping Position Matter?

By Donna Stark

Starting your day questioning why your back hurts so much isn't fun, especially if you don't remember doing anything that would have triggered the pain in the first place. You know you haven't participated in yard work, intense exercise, or heavy lifting in the recent past, so where is this pain coming from? Well, you may need to consider other reasons for your pain and one of the best places to start looking for the source of your discomfort is in your bedroom. Let's take a look at how your sleeping position could be impacting the health of your spine.

Does Sleeping Position Matter?

Long gone are the days when you could literally fall asleep anywhere and in any position without any consequences. Now, thanks to the natural effects of aging, your spine may be more susceptible to aches and pains, which means you may need to be more mindful of how you sleep. If the position you sleep in fails to provide adequate support and doesn't keep your head, neck, and spine in proper alignment, it could trigger the pain you are feeling now. Take a look at a few common sleeping positions and how they may affect the health of your back.

• Stomach sleeping - Sleeping on your stomach is one of the worst positions for your spine. Stomach sleeping can lead to an unnatural arch and may also strain the muscles in your neck and shoulders. If you choose to sleep on your stomach, try placing a pillow under your hips. This may help reduce some of the pain you wake up with.
• Side sleeping - Side sleeping is better than stomach sleeping, but you must remember to change sides often. By consistently sleeping on the same side, you could potentially create an imbalance in your muscles and that can contribute to future back pain and discomfort. It is helpful to use a pillow in this position as well. Simply place one between your legs to improve your comfort and reduce the risk of poor alignment.
• Back sleeping - If you want to reduce the risk of pain or damage, sleeping on your back is the way to go! This position encourages proper alignment and reduces the amount of stress or strain on your body. It's important to note though, that a quality mattress and supportive pillows are key for ultimate comfort.

Don't Forget Chiropractic Care

If you want to get control of those nagging aches in the morning, come on in to see your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic. With precise adjustments that target your pain and sound advice on how to find the correct sleeping position, you can start looking forward to better days ahead!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic in Citrus Heights, Calif.