Tips For Preventing Back Pain (Sleep Is On The List, Too!)

Young man peacefully sleeping in bed

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2. Sleep. YES, sleep!

Now here’s one that probably doesn’t occur to most people. The type of surface you sleep on, and your sleeping position can have a very strong impact on back pain. Think about it: You spend about one third of your life asleep. While you will toss and turn a bit in your sleep, much of that time is spent in a stationary position.

If you are sleeping in such a way that leads to an awkward spinal curvature or a position that puts pressure on the same parts of your back every night, this will lead to back pain over time. Since it may take you a while to notice the connection, poor sleep support is the type of thing that can lead to chronic, persistent back pain that takes a serious toll on your quality of life.

Experiment with different sleeping surfaces. Often, a mattress that is too soft can cause back pain since people can sink into them, which causes the backbone to curve. A firmer mattress might be just what you need. Sleeping with a pillow between the legs can also help a lot, because it can help keep your spine in alignment while you sleep. Sleeping on your back can also be beneficial for some people.

Everybody’s body is different, so it will take some experimentation to find out what works best for you.

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