We spend one-third of our life sleeping and studies show that sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout our lives. Quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety. If we are suffering from pain, it is important to be proactive and take on sleeping positions that can reduce the pain.
To Alleviate Shoulder Pain:
If it is difficult for someone to lie directly on their shoulder, however, they can try rotating their shoulder slightly forward or backward. It also helps to use extra pillows for support to help maintain a comfortable position throughout the night.
Neck Pain:
Sleep on your side help alleviates neck pain. One thing that is helpful is to use a small rolled up hand towel right under the neck for added support. The towel can be placed inside the pillowcase to help it stay in place. This will help keep your spine straight.
Back Pain
For some people, sleeping on your back may be the best position to relieve your back pain:
While only 8 percent of us chose this position, it is still the best position. By sleeping on your back, your weight is evenly distributed and allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position. As a result, you place less strain on your pressure points. You’re also able to get better alignment of your spine and your internal organs. Another good point is the back is straight and not forced into any contortions.
Can I Sleep on My Stomach?
Many of you may have heard that sleeping on your stomach is actually bad for back pain because it may add stress to your neck. But if you find yourself resting on your stomach, you don’t have to force another position. Instead:
- Place a pillow under your pelvis and lower abdomen to relieve some of the pressure off your back.
- Depending on how this position feels, you may or may not choose to use a pillow under your head.
There is a benefit to this solution -for people with degenerative disk disease. It may benefit them the most if they stomach sleep with a pillow, relieving stress on the space between your disks.
At Benningfield & Associates we diagnose and treat a wide range of chiropractic conditions. Our chiropractic care can help with alleviating neck, back, and shoulder pain. We believe in educating our patients – during appointments, by providing brochures, and on-site seminars. Call us: (309)692-6800.
Sources:
https://greatist.com/happiness/best-sleep-positions
http://www.painphysicians.com/blog/the-best-sleep-positions-for-back-neck-and-shoulder-pain
https://sleep.org/articles/best-sleep-position/