Sleep Position and Cervical Alignment—Keys to Back Pain Relief

Back pain is one of the most common health ailments in the world and the top cause of disability. However, there several things that a person suffering from back pain can do to find long-term relief without having to look for answers in a pill bottle. Here are two: sleeping in the right position and seeking upper cervical alignment.

Which Sleep Positions Are Best for the Back?

If you are suffering from back pain, one simple lifestyle change may be of great benefit. Of course, if you have slept in the same position your whole life, it may be a tough habit to change. Thus, here are some tricks for protecting your back regardless of sleep position. Walnut Creek Chiropractors suggest the following:

If you are a side sleeper, the right pillow is vital. It can’t be as flat as a pillow for a back sleeper because head needs to be propped up enough to keep it from leaning toward the shoulder all night. To keep your lower back from twisting one direction or the other, be sure to keep a pillow between your knees.

Back sleepers are already in the best position for the back and neck. However, if you are experiencing lower back problems, you can add a pillow behind the knees to remove even more pressure from this part of the back.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and lower back pain and sciatica download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

A person who sleeps on the stomach is most likely causing more back pain. A pillow to keep the pelvis elevated will help the back. Unfortunately, there’s no good position for the neck while lying on the stomach.

Upper Cervical Alignment and Back Pain

When the top bones of the neck are out of alignment, this causes a chain reaction down the back of shifting bones, muscles, and soft tissue. As a result, pain will occur wherever the greatest compensation takes place. This may not be in the neck. Therefore, back pain may be due to a neck misalignment.

Checking the upper cervical spine allows an upper cervical chiropractor to identify the specific degree of misalignment so as to render a gentle adjustment. After the upper neck is back in the correct position, the rest of the spine can begin to heal.