Pillows Can Do Wonders for Back Pain
By Stephen R. Farris
If you're not practicing good posture on a daily basis, or you're experiencing fatigue and back pain from those sleepless nights, then it might be time to access your situation and try to do something about it before it gets worse.
If the latter is the case -- sleepless nights due to sleeping in a wrong position -- there are several things you can do to correct the lower back pain you may be feeling, or at least get a little relief from it.
More Than Pillow Talk
While there's nothing wrong with pillow talk, you can use them to help relieve and/or prevent lower back pain.
Knee Pillow
Sleeping with a pillow between your knees while laying on your side can help take pressure off of your hips and pelvis, and keep your spine more in alignment.
No Pillow
If you are experiencing herniated disc problems, then you may not need a pillow except to use under your head. People with herniated disc problems should probably try sleeping in the fetal position to help ease the pain better. It will help open the space between the vertebrae.
Pillow Belly or Belly Pillow
If you talk with your physician or chiropractor, they may advise you not to sleep on your belly -- aka stomach, tummy, abdomen region -- as this position can cause undue stress on your neck. But if you can't help but sleep on your belly, then at least put a pillow under your abdominal region. It'll help relieve the pressure off of your back, especially if you suffer from degenerative disc disease.
Knee Pillow II
So you can't help but sleep on your back. Well, if that's the case then at least use a pillow underneath your knees. This will help keep your spine and internal organs aligned better, and take stress off of your pressure points.
A lot of people find themselves falling asleep in a recliner. After all, it's comfortable, and if you aren't sleeping well in your bed, then sleep away. Unfortunately, it may not be great for your back unless you suffer from certain back issues such as isthmic spondylolisthesis. If this is the case, you might consider getting an adjustable bed or a pillow wedge if you're on a tight budget.
And if you're experiencing lower back pain, or pain in your neck and joints, see your local chiropractor to get relief.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Melbourne, Fla.