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. Arms at your side, on the back. Sleeping on your back with your arms at your side is generally considered to be the best sleeping position for spine health and it's good for your neck as well. Sleep apnea is commonly associated with back sleepers and studies do show that people who suffer from sleep apnea often sleep on their backs.
2. Proper lifting of heavy objects: If you know how to lift things properly, and actually do it right, you'll help your back. Everyone has heard that you should "bend your knees" when you pick up something. You should also know that your feet should be about shoulder width apart and, especially if it is a heavy object, tuck your tummy in (just as you do while zipping a tight pair of pants) before you lift it.
3. Lose weight: Extra weight strains the back, especially the joints along the back and can lead to serious disorders for the spine. So if you are obese or overweight and want to reduce the aches and pains from your back, losing weight is essential.
4. Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is a key element for good overall health and is an important part of maintaining good spine health. Especially as we get older, the intervertebral (spinal) discs are vulnerable to loss of hydration and can begin to lose height, potentially leading to painful disc conditions like a ruptured or herniated disc. In addition, there are a number of different spinal conditions that can occur as the spine begins to lose its protective padding. Drink that water!
5. On Side, Arms at Sides. When you're sleeping on your side with both arms down, the spine is best supported in its natural curve. This position will help with sleep apnea, snoring, acid reflux and back pain. This position, along with the 'starfish' position, may be the most beneficial for your spine 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. Arms at your side, on the back. Sleeping on your back with your arms at your side is generally considered to be the best sleeping position for spine health and it's good for your neck as well. Sleep apnea is commonly associated with back sleepers and studies do show that people who suffer from sleep apnea often sleep on their backs.
2. Proper lifting of heavy objects: If you know how to lift things properly, and actually do it right, you'll help your back. Everyone has heard that you should "bend your knees" when you pick up something. You should also know that your feet should be about shoulder width apart and, especially if it is a heavy object, tuck your tummy in (just as you do while zipping a tight pair of pants) before you lift it.
3. Lose weight: Extra weight strains the back, especially the joints along the back and can lead to serious disorders for the spine. So if you are obese or overweight and want to reduce the aches and pains from your back, losing weight is essential.
4. Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is a key element for good overall health and is an important part of maintaining good spine health. Especially as we get older, the intervertebral (spinal) discs are vulnerable to loss of hydration and can begin to lose height, potentially leading to painful disc conditions like a ruptured or herniated disc. In addition, there are a number of different spinal conditions that can occur as the spine begins to lose its protective padding. Drink that water!
5. On Side, Arms at Sides. When you're sleeping on your side with both arms down, the spine is best supported in its natural curve. This position will help with sleep apnea, snoring, acid reflux and back pain. This position, along with the 'starfish' position, may be the most beneficial for your spine 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.
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