Understanding The Way You Sleep Could Be the Cause of Your Back or Neck Pain

with Advanced Sports & Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture

The Way You Sleep Could Be the Cause of Your Back or Neck Pain

Are you waking up with daily neck or back pain? Are you struggling with your mobility first thing in the morning? If so, you are not alone; according to the National Spine Health Foundation, over one million Americans wake up with some form of spinal pain (N. S. Foundation).

When we think about back or neck pain, we typically assume it is due to a recent spinal trauma, usually the result of Auto Injuries, Workplace Injuries, Sports Injuries, repetitive motion, over-exertion, Poor Posture, and underlying joint instability. However, another common contributor to spinal pain and discomfort that many individuals with back or neck pain may overlook is their sleeping habits. Sleep plays a significant role in our spinal health and can oftentimes be the main culprit of neck or back pain.

How we sleep can be directly linked to back or neck pain.

Why Am I Waking Up with Back Pain?

If you wake up with stiff neck or lower back pain, don’t blame the office chair or your workout routine. It’s time to examine your sleeping habits. At times, sleep may feel like the best respite from pain and mobility issues, but sleep and long periods of rest can often worsen a spinal or musculoskeletal injury. Sleep could even be the primary reason for your pain and discomfort.

As we mentioned, the spine and musculoskeletal system can easily be thrown out of proper alignment for many reasons. The same is true during sleep and relaxation. A properly aligned spine and musculoskeletal system is the key to optimal health and wellness.
When you sleep, your spine and musculoskeletal system are at rest, but if you are not cautious about your sleeping posture (sleep position) and what you’re sleeping on, you could cause your spine to be out of natural alignment.

The spine is meant to maintain a natural curve here are a few of the main reasons you wake up with back or neck pain.

Proper Sleep Position to Reduce Back Pain

Stomach Sleeping: This is the worst position for your back and neck. Sleeping on your stomach forces your neck into an unnatural twist and flattens the spine’s natural curve, leading to strain and pain.
Back Sleeping: Sleeping on your back is generally considered the healthiest option because it evenly distributes weight across the body. However, even in this position, without the right pillow and mattress support, you can develop lower back pain without proper support.
Side Sleeping: Side sleeping is generally spine-friendly, mainly if you use a supportive pillow between your knees to align your hips with your spine.

Your Mattress and Pillow Could Be Causing Your Pain

Your mattress and pillow quality significantly affect your spinal health during sleep. If either one lacks proper support, your spine may be out of alignment, leading to painful subluxations.

Choosing the Right Mattress: A too-soft or firm mattress can disrupt your spine’s natural alignment. It’s best to look for a medium-firm mattress that supports your spine’s natural curvature.
Proper Pillow Support: The height and firmness of your pillow should align your neck with your spine. If your pillow is too high or low, it can cause neck strain and discomfort.

If you have questions about improving your spinal health while you sleep and want to eliminate sleep-related back pain naturally, contact the top-rated experts at ASFCA today.

Wake Up Pain-Free with ASFCA

Don’t let back or neck pain ruin your day. Advanced Sports and Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture is here to help you achieve restful, pain-free sleep through expert Chiropractic Care, Board-Certified Acupuncture, and advanced Physiotherapy Treatments.

If you’re ready to wake up feeling your best, schedule an appointment with ASFCA today!

ASFCA Has Multiple Conveniently Located Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinics Located Across Kansas City – In Both Kansas & Missouri

Stop living with pain and get back to living your best life. Let the team of experts at one of our conveniently located clinics correctly diagnose your problem, relieve your pain, correct the cause of the problem, and optimize your health and wellness. We make it easy for you to get the care you need with our affordable treatment plans, being IN-Network with most all insurances, and our $49-dollar new patient special.

ASFCA: Your Partner in Health and Wellness

Make your appointment today at one of our top-rated Kansas City chiropractic and acupuncture clinics: Overland Park, Kansas; Olathe, Kansas; Prairie Village, Kansas; Belton/Raymore, Missouri; Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Blue Springs, Missouri; Liberty, Missouri; and Raytown, Missouri

Don’t wait to optimize your health and wellness. ASFCA makes it easy to schedule an appointment, call the clinic closest to you and your family, or make your appointment online.