Sleeping Positions That Help to Prevent Back Problems

Anyone who has ever suffered from back pain will generally find it a relief to finally go to bed at night and take the weight off of their back. The only problem is back pain may be worse in the morning. Sleeping in the wrong position can aggravate back problems, and it can even cause back problems. A study was cited by the 'Telegraph UK' that sleeping in particular positions can actually make back problems better and prevent new bank problems from occurring.

1. Fetal Position

   • The fetal position involves lying on your side with your arms slightly out in front of you and crossed. The legs are bent and pulled up and into the body. This is a natural sleeping position and most people find that regardless of what position they fall asleep in they often wake up in this position. When getting into this position be sure the back is aligned and that your top shoulder, the one not against the mattress, is not leaning in toward the bed. This will keep your back aligned. People who have trouble keeping their backs straight often find that placing a pillow against the chest works well.

   Starfish Position

   • People who are prone to sleeping on their backs will need a roomy enough bed to get into the proper position without disturbing their bed mates, or they'll need to sleep alone. The starfish position is the best position for back sleepers. It involves lying on the bed with the legs and arms extended a bit away from the body. It should be noted that while this is a comfortable position for sleeping on the back, it can produce or aggravate snoring.

   Log Position

   • The log position enables the spine to lengthen and keeps pressure off of the spine. When done properly it can be very comfortable. It involves lying on either side with the legs straight down and the arms straight down. The arm that is not against the mattress should rest on the body or slightly in front of the body. The arm that is against the mattress should be down and in front of the body. This position works well for people with back problems; however it does require a supportive, firm mattress and supportive pillows.

   What to Avoid

   • People who want to avoid back problems should not sleep on their stomachs. Not only can it cause neck stiffness, it can compress the nerves of the spine. People sleeping on their stomachs often wake with back aches because their spines have been put in an asymmetrical strain.

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