Health care professional across the board will tell you that getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. But did you know that how you sleep can also impact your health? Let's take a look at some common sleeping positions and how they can affect you spine health.
1. Good posture is key!: The starting point of many problems of the back starts with bad posture. For instance, people who hunch over a computer keyboard at work, or slouch when they walk, are putting themselves at risk for back problems sooner rather than later. Standing upright when you walk, keeping you back rested when you sit, and avoid slouching over while sitting or walking will go a LONG way to maintaining a healthy back.
2. Arms slightly raised up, sleeping on the back The "starfish" position is also good for spine health. However, like the arms-down back sleeping position, this one can also result in snoring, sleep apnea and in some cases acid reflux. There is also a risk of having the arms raised slightly up can put pressure on the nerves in the shoulder, potentially leading to pain.
3. Good footwear, and avoiding high heels whenever possible: Wearing comfortable flat shoes or sport shoes is an important ingredient in preventing back pain, especially for women. There are many women who wear high-heel shoes that may be unaware that they are at risk of lower back pain. The fact is, when someone wear high heels, the body is forced to make several adjustments in the spine, knee joints, hip joints and head in order to walk straight. The higher the heels, the more pressure is exerted on the back.
4. Fetal Position. Sleeping all curled up into a ball with your knees drawn up and your chin tucked in may feel good but it is one of the worst positions to sleep in for your spine health. Also, the extreme curl of the fetal position may have an effect on how deep, or restrictive your breathing becomes. Overall, like the face down position, not recommended for your spine health.
5. Stretching: Stretching your back muscles can absolutely help prevent back pain for many people - ask any Physical Therapist. Taking breaks in the day to stretch can go a long way for your back health.
If you find that your back pain is occurring more regularly or is severe, please contact SpineOne's Denver Back Pain specialists for a diagnosis of your condition and treatment plan to get you back on the road to recovery.
1. Good posture is key!: The starting point of many problems of the back starts with bad posture. For instance, people who hunch over a computer keyboard at work, or slouch when they walk, are putting themselves at risk for back problems sooner rather than later. Standing upright when you walk, keeping you back rested when you sit, and avoid slouching over while sitting or walking will go a LONG way to maintaining a healthy back.
2. Arms slightly raised up, sleeping on the back The "starfish" position is also good for spine health. However, like the arms-down back sleeping position, this one can also result in snoring, sleep apnea and in some cases acid reflux. There is also a risk of having the arms raised slightly up can put pressure on the nerves in the shoulder, potentially leading to pain.
3. Good footwear, and avoiding high heels whenever possible: Wearing comfortable flat shoes or sport shoes is an important ingredient in preventing back pain, especially for women. There are many women who wear high-heel shoes that may be unaware that they are at risk of lower back pain. The fact is, when someone wear high heels, the body is forced to make several adjustments in the spine, knee joints, hip joints and head in order to walk straight. The higher the heels, the more pressure is exerted on the back.
4. Fetal Position. Sleeping all curled up into a ball with your knees drawn up and your chin tucked in may feel good but it is one of the worst positions to sleep in for your spine health. Also, the extreme curl of the fetal position may have an effect on how deep, or restrictive your breathing becomes. Overall, like the face down position, not recommended for your spine health.
5. Stretching: Stretching your back muscles can absolutely help prevent back pain for many people - ask any Physical Therapist. Taking breaks in the day to stretch can go a long way for your back health.
If you find that your back pain is occurring more regularly or is severe, please contact SpineOne's Denver Back Pain specialists for a diagnosis of your condition and treatment plan to get you back on the road to recovery.
About the Author:
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