As a Minnesota chiropractor for low back pain, I’ve encountered this question on a regular basis. But to further understand back pain, we’ll need to delve deeper into what the condition really is.
To help us out, here are some vital pieces of information about back pain from the American Chiropractic Association:
- As of nine years ago, it was the single leading cause of disability in the entire world.
- Each year, Americans spend around $50 billion to treat the condition.
- Most back pain cases are mechanical or non-organic. This means that severe conditions like arthritis, infections, and fractures aren’t the cause.
- According to experts, around 80 percent of the world’s population will experience some form of back pain at least once in their lives.
- Half of all working Americans experience back pain symptoms each year.
Among all the reasons for missed days at work, back pain is at the top of the list. As for the most common reasons for doctor visits following upper respiratory infections, it ranks second.
Given these facts, you should be able to have a better idea about back pain and how it affects people worldwide. But as you read along, you’ll know more about its causes, how sleeping position is a factor, and a possible form of natural relief.
Table of Contents
What Causes Back Pain?
The back is comprised of bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints. Both the muscles and ligaments are susceptible to sprain and strain, while joints become irritated. Discs can experience a rupture (also called a herniated disc).
All of these mentioned above are common causes of back pain.
There are other external factors, such as accidents and injuries. Something as mundane as bending over to pick up a pencil can trigger back pain. Other factors include poor posture, being overweight, and psychological stress.
Some people experience back pain from things like kidney infections, blood clots, and bone loss.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and low back pain, download our free e-book by clicking the image below.
How Is Sleeping Position Related to Back Pain?
To answer the article’s title question, yes, sleeping positions are a contributor to back pain. There are certain positions you can sleep in or avoid to save yourself from discomfort.
Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees
This sleeping position works best for people with back pain. It evenly distributes body weight and spreads it out. As a result, there is less stress on the body’s pressure points, keeping the spine in proper alignment.
The key to this sleeping position is neutral spine alignment. The pillow should maintain the natural curve of your back.
And if you feel the need for added support, you can add in a rolled towel under the small of your back.
Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees
Similarly, you can sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. People do this if they find it uncomfortable to sleep on their backs, which is why this is the second-best sleeping position for them.
But remember not to sleep on just one side, as it can cause muscle imbalances or scoliosis. And by keeping a pillow between your knees, you keep the spine, hips, and pelvis in alignment (assuming that you have a supportive mattress and a pillow for your head that is the right thickness).
The key here is to allow your shoulder to touch the mattress. The rest of the side of your body should follow. And if there is space between your waist and the mattress, add a small pillow for support.
Sleep on your back in a reclined position
Many people feel at ease sleeping in a recliner instead of a bed, but this isn’t a good idea for most back pain sufferers. But sleeping in a reclined position may help, especially if you have isthmic spondylolisthesis where one of your vertebrae slips over the one below it.
Reclining helps because it causes an angle between your thighs and your trunk. In turn, there is less pressure on your spine.
For this purpose, it is best to invest in an adjustable bed with a recline function.
Sleep on your stomach with a pillow underneath the abdomen
Sleeping on your stomach should be avoided because of the stress it causes on the neck. But for belly-sleepers who find comfort in this position, adding a pillow should help.
The pillow relieves the stress put on the spaces between your discs. And if you choose to sleep in this position, you may decide not to use a pillow for your head.
What Is the Best Natural Relief for Back Pain?
Another possible reason for back pain is a neck problem. When one of the top bones on the neck goes out of alignment, the entire spine compensates by shifting and twisting. The muscles, bones, and tissues are all affected, leading to lower back pain.
This is where upper cervical chiropractic care comes into play.
Here at my clinic, Hejny Chiropractic in Spring Lake Park, MN, I use gentle and precise methods to correct any misalignments that I find during my initial assessment of a patient’s posture and symptoms.
As a result of this form of care, the body goes into the natural healing process when the key vertebrae at the top of the spine are in correct alignment. It is a method that’s proven effective, and our patients’ feedback is a testament to that.
So if you’re in search of a Minnesota chiropractor for low back pain, you now know where to go. Fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call me at 763-230-0116.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hejny, call our Spring Lake Park office at 763-230-0116. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.