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Worst sleeping position to avoid for better spine health, warns chiropractor
Most people regularly wake up with back pain that lasts for the rest of the day. In addition to stretching and practicing good posture while awake, you should also watch your sleeping position.
How you sit, stand, or even sleep largely determines your spine health. Did you know your tongue placement influenced your overall posture? A chiropractor warns against one sleeping position known to contribute to back pain.
One sleeping position you should avoid
Though remote work culture is a blessing, it has also become the main cause of inactivity. Most of us spend hours sitting before the computer – which is bad as it is – and then go to sleep without paying much attention to the position we rest in.
While certain simple yoga poses can relieve back pain, avoiding sleeping on your stomach can help you get a good night’s sleep and wake up fresh in the morning.
Licensed chiropractor Dr. Suzi Schulman demonstrates the best and worst sleeping position for optimal spine health – you should avoid sleeping on your stomach at all costs.
“Stomach sleeping is a no-no. You have to turn your head all night in order to breathe, twisting the neck in an unnatural position, dampening signals all the way throughout the body,” she explains.
If you’re someone who loves to sleep on their stomach, consider the following tips to ensure your back doesn’t hurt.
Do this instead for better spine health
If you can’t get sleep in any position but when you’re lying on your stomach, Dr.Suzi recommends using multiple pillows to keep your spine aligned.
She advises placing a pillow between your knees while sleeping on one side to level your pelvis and hip. You should use another pillow between your arms as it stops the upper body from twisting.
“Not only does this support the entire spine in good alignment but the pressure from the pillows on the tummy will make you feel like you’re sleeping on your stomach and prevent you from actually rolling over,” says Dr. Suzi.
For back sleepers, she recommends a pillow under the knees to “take the pressure off the lower back and support the natural alignment.”
In a different TikTok video, the chiropractor explains the dangers of crossing your legs while sitting, in addition to a few other postures you should avoid for a stronger spine.
Dr. Suzi Schulman is a licensed chiropractor with over 30 years of experience. She is working with Connected Chiropractic, which uses a holistic approach to wellness that focuses on the vital connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall body function.
