Best way to sleep if your back hurts

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How Should You Sleep If You Have Lower Back Pain?

How Should You Sleep If You Have Lower Back Pain?

Best way to sleep if your back hurts

How Should You Sleep If You Have Lower Back Pain?

If you're facing lower back pain, you may find it difficult to get a good night's rest. Believe it or not, the cause of your back pain may even be a poor sleeping position that places pressure on your back.

Fortunately, there are a number of sleeping positions that can do wonders for your sleep quality and improve or even completely get rid of your back pain. So without further ado, here are the best sleeping positions if you have lower back pain.

Sleep on Your Back

Try to lie on your back as much as possible as doing so will distribute weight more evenly, reduce pressure points, and improve spine, neck, and head alignment. If you'd like, you can take pillow and put it under your knee joints for some extra support. This strategy can also help you maintain your spine's natural curve.

Sleep on Your Side with a Knee Pillow

Chances are you've slept on your side many times. Unfortunately, this sleeping position can take your spine out of its proper position and strain your back. The good news is there's an easy fix. All you have to do is put a pillow between your knees so you can raise your upper leg and restore your natural alignment.

Sleep in a Fetal Position

If you have a herniated disc, curl up in a fetal position. When you lie on your side with your knees tucked into your chest, you'll be able to minimize the bending of your spine and open up your joints simultaneously. If you choose the fetal position, use a pillow to give your head and neck some support.

Sleep on the Front of Your Body

Many doctors don't recommend sleeping on the front of your body. But if you feel comfortable in this position, many of them will suggest you put a small pillow under your stomach and hips. This can improve the alignment of your spine. If you have degenerative disc disease or a herniated disc, sleeping on the front of your body with a pillow could be a great option.

Sleep on the Front with Your Head Down

If you sleep on the front with your head facing one side, you may twist your spine and put unnecessary stress on your back, neck, and shoulders. You can prevent this by simply lying with your face down. It's also a good idea to use a small pillow under your stomach and another one to lift up your forehead.

If you're unsure of which position is right for you, try several of them. Eventually, you'll find one that brings you the most comfort and pain relief.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Please see a healthcare professional for medical advice. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

All materials copyright © 2021 VoxMD.com, All Rights Reserved.

spine-pain-blog2021-01-11T23:05:45+00:00

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Best way to sleep if your back hurts

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What position should you lay in when your back hurts?

The best sleeping position for lower back pain is on your side with a partial bend in the knees7. Keeping the knees bent helps balance the body and reduces pressure on the lumbar spine. Many people find it helpful to put a small pillow between their knees to make this position more comfortable.

Should I lay down if my back hurts?

If you have back pain, bed rest can be useful, especially if you are in severe pain while sitting and standing. But it's best to limit bed rest during the day to a few hours at a time, for no more than a couple of days. That's because too much time in bed can do more harm than good.