Waking up with back pain can ruin your day before it even begins. For many people, the way they sleep plays a major role in how their spine feels throughout the day. The wrong sleeping position can put unnecessary pressure on your spine, neck, and joints, leading to stiffness, discomfort, or even chronic pain. Fortunately, simple adjustments to how you sleep can make a big difference. Understanding the best sleeping positions for back pain is a key step toward improving your spinal alignment and can support the quality of your sleep.
Sleeping on Your Back
Sleeping on your back is often considered the best position for spinal alignment. It evenly distributes weight and minimizes pressure on your spine. If you lie flat on your back, using a pillow under your knees can help maintain the natural curve of your spine. This small adjustment reduces strain on your lower back and can alleviate pain and stiffness in the morning.
A firm mattress supports this position well by preventing your body from sinking in too deeply. You’ll also want to ensure your head and neck are properly supported with a pillow that keeps them in a neutral position. Avoid pillows that are too high or too flat, as these can throw off your spinal alignment and cause neck pain.
Sleeping on Your Side
Sleeping on your side is another popular position that can reduce pressure on your spine, especially if you place a pillow between your knees. This helps keep the hips aligned and reduces rotation in the lower back. For individuals suffering from back pain, this position can relieve tension and support the natural curve of the spine.
The fetal position, where you curl your knees slightly toward your chest, may also provide relief for herniated discs or sciatica. Just be careful not to curl up too tightly; keeping the spine in as neutral a position as possible is key to reducing discomfort.
Choosing the right pillow is just as important when sleeping on your side. Look for one that fills the gap between your head and shoulder to support your neck and reduce pressure points.
Sleeping on Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach is typically discouraged for those with back pain. This position puts pressure on your spine and forces your neck into a twisted angle, which can lead to both back and neck pain. It also flattens the natural curve of your spine, contributing to long-term strain.
However, if this is the only position in which you can sleep, placing a pillow under your hips may help. This reduces pressure on your lower back and helps maintain some alignment through your spine center. Opt for a very thin pillow under your head to avoid putting extra stress on your neck.
Should I Visit a Chiropractor for Back Pain?
If back pain is affecting the quality of your sleep, it may be time to consult a professional. Chiropractors specialize in spinal alignment and can help identify whether your sleeping position is contributing to your discomfort. At Lake Stevens Chiropractic, our experienced team provides a holistic approach to care, addressing not just the symptoms but the root cause of your pain.
Whether your pain stems from poor sleep posture, a misaligned spine, or other musculoskeletal issues, chiropractic care can help. Our goal is to improve both your spinal health and the quality of your sleep, so you wake up feeling rested and pain-free.
Visit Lake Stevens Chiropractic for Back Pain Treatment
If you’re struggling with pain and sleep, Lake Stevens Chiropractic is here to help. With over 50 years of experience serving Lake Stevens and surrounding communities, we specialize in natural, effective treatments that support long-term wellness. Schedule an appointment today and discover how we can help you sleep and feel better.
Read our reviews to see how we’ve helped countless patients in Lake Stevens find pain-free living through our chiropractic services!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I train myself to stop sleeping on my stomach?
To stop stomach sleeping, try using a body pillow to support your side or back. Placing a pillow behind your back or in front of your body can prevent you from rolling onto your stomach during the night.
Can Lake Stevens Chiropractic help determine if my sleep posture is contributing to my back pain?
Yes. At Lake Stevens Chiropractic, our experienced chiropractors evaluate your spinal alignment and overall posture to determine if your sleeping position may be contributing to your back pain. We offer personalized guidance to help improve your sleep posture and reduce discomfort.
Should I use a soft or firm mattress if I have back pain?
A medium-firm to firm mattress is usually best for people with back pain, as it offers enough support to keep the spine aligned without sagging.
Does Lake Stevens Chiropractic help with back pain from auto accidents?
Yes, Lake Stevens Chiropractic specializes in treating back pain resulting from auto accidents. Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, spinal misalignment, or soft tissue injuries, our team uses a holistic approach to help reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and promote long-term healing.
We also offer treatment for the following conditions:
- Neck pain treatment
- Whiplash treatment
- Headaches and migraines
- Herniated disc treatment
- Peripheral neuropathy treatment
- Prenatal chiropractic treatment
- Work injury chiropractic treatment
- Orthotics treatment
- Car accident treatment
- Sciatica treatment
- TMJ treatment