Sleep Positions for Less Low Back Pain
As a physical therapist, one of the biggest complaints I receive about low back pain (LBP) is about how it can impact one’s ability to sleep through the night. According to research, low back pain is the second most common cause of disability in adults in the U.S., and the most common reason for lost work days.1
Why Your Posture May Be Causing Low Back Pain
Have you ever had low back pain while sitting slumped over in your office chair or on your couch while watching TV? Have you ever had low back pain after a day of cleaning your house or garage? If you answered yes to one of these questions, you may be interested to know that your posture can affect the amount of stress that goes through your low back during daily activities.
Sleeping positions: The good, the bad and the ugly
Do you sleep in different positions on a nightly basis? Chances are the answer is yes—and that’s common. There isn’t any one sleeping position that works for everyone. Some people prefer to sleep on their side, others on their back. Your usual sleep position — along with other factors, including your weight— can strain your back and contribute to development of back pain. Sleeping positions also affect existing back pain, either by letting you sleep comfortably or by making you wake up sore and achy. Similarly, back pain is more likely to keep you awake when your sleeping position provides no relief.
