How Your Spine Is Affected by Your Sleeping Decisions

By Dr. Drew Voelsch

How Your Spine Is Affected by Your Sleeping Decisions

By Dr. Drew Voelsch

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Have you been having trouble with your body after waking up? Standing posture or sitting position likely springs to mind when you think of bad posture causing orthopedic disorders like lower back pain or neck pain. 

In addition to standing and sitting, there is a third posture that you might be overlooking, and it has a similar negative impact on your health. Your sleeping position is that.

Your spinal column and other body parts may suffer as a result of your body’s sleeping position.

The position you adopt while sleeping is maintained for several hours at a time, with the exception of a few tosses and turns during the night. 

It is much longer than it would be when you are awake if something in the body is twisted, pinched under another bodily part, or held at an odd angle.

Spine Issues and Sleeping Positions

Your sleeping posture is probably having an impact if you wake up in pain that isn’t present throughout the day.

The neutral spine is where sleeping posture affects back discomfort. You may be exerting too much weight or strain on various sections of the back if your spine is not relaxed and balanced.

Take into account the following reasons if you wake up in the morning with neck pain, stiffness, or soreness.

Sleeping Position

Neck pain is a sure sign if you’re sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side. However, sleeping in any position can be problematic if your neck isn’t well supported.

Pillow Selection

Your head will sway from the neutral spine posture if your pillow is too high, too low, too firm, or too soft. Finding the ideal cushion can be challenging. 

Memory foam is preferred by some people because it conforms to the head and neck, offering support exactly where you need it.

Tight Muscles

If you don’t stretch often or if you hold your shoulders and head in a constant, unnatural position during the day, you might be dragging that stress into bed with you at night.

You could find that stretching, building muscle, and receiving massages will help you rebalance your body and relax your neck and shoulders. 

It’s difficult to keep your spine neutral while you’re asleep if you can’t do it when you’re awake.

Other Factors

Other orthopedic issues, including muscle strain, cervical spine osteoarthritis, or a slipped disc, can also contribute to neck pain. You can find out whether you have another problem that might be causing a pain flare-up as you sleep by visiting an orthopedic doctor.

Conclusion

Similar to how choosing the correct mattress and pillow can help with neck pain, it’s crucial to sleep in the best position possible. You should also use additional pillows or bolsters if necessary.

Your body is at rest while you are asleep. There is no weight on your spine or other joints. This shouldn’t hurt at all. 

It’s likely that something other than your sleeping position is to blame if you experience back discomfort while you’re asleep, most frequently lower back ache.

If you think you have trouble sleeping because of your spine, a consultation with a chiropractor in Arlington may help! Hawkeye Chiropractic is a full-service chiropractic center led by local chiropractic expert Dr. Drew Voelsch. Schedule a session with our center today!

 

“Dr Drew is upfront about what’s going on with your body. He helps work with you to achieve the goals that you as a patient want to set. I highly recommend him to those interested in chiropractic services.P.S Go Cyclones!”

Pronoy DasGupta