Getting the Best Posture When You Sleep

Are You in the Healthiest Sleeping Position Every Night?

Aches and pains in the neck and back are some of the most common complaints in chiropractic care. Although stress, exercise injuries and other conditions can lead to chronic back and neck pain, poor sleep posture is a major contributor.

A bad night of sleep causes more than discomfort the next day — it can also lead to cognitive impairment, irritability and even depression. If you have chronic discomfort in your back or neck, and you believe poor sleep posture may be the cause, Dr. Jason Crist of Crist Chiropractic & Wellness can help.

How Sleep Position Affects Your Neck and Back

Your sleep position can harm or enhance your health. Stomach sleepers often find themselves feeling sore or achy because the spine is not properly aligned for long periods of time. This leads to pain and numbness in the back, neck, legs and pelvis. Placing a pillow underneath your pelvis during sleep may reduce these symptoms.

Side sleeping is the most popular position. It is also fairly healthy, because it naturally elongates your spine and makes you less likely to snore. Avoid twisting your body to place your top leg on the mattress as this can cause lower back and shoulder pain. Placing a pillow between your knees while on your side reduces stress on your lower back.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, you may prefer sleeping on your back. The good news is that back sleeping is the healthiest sleep posture overall. The bad news is that back sleeping frequently leads to snoring. A pillow placed under your knees keeps your spine in a neutral position.

Choosing a Mattress for Your Posture

Another common cause of sleep posture problems is using the wrong mattress. Cool Springs, TN chiropractor Dr. Jason Crist can help you weigh the differences between firm versus soft mattresses. Back sleepers, for example, may prefer a mattress with more support, while side sleepers may want a memory foam mattress.

Dr. Crist can also help you choose the best pillow for posture. Your pillow should provide natural support for your spine while also being comfortable. Whether you’re a stomach sleeper who needs a flat pillow or a back sleeper who needs a therapeutic sleeping pillow, Dr. Crist can help you choose your best option. He can also provide ongoing treatment that can reduce feelings of soreness and stiffness.

Crist Chiropractic & Wellness

If chronic back and neck soreness is a problem, and you believe your sleep posture is the cause, schedule a consultation at Crist Chiropractic & Wellness. Dr. Crist provides individualized chiropractic care for patients in the Cool Springs, TN region, including testing, diagnosis and ongoing treatment.

With Dr. Crist’s help, you can wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and relaxed, instead of sore, irritable and tired. Dr. Crist also treats neuromusculoskeletal issues related to sports injuries, car accidents, pregnancy or work injuries as well as conditions such as sciatica and fibromyalgia, headaches and more. As the leading chiropractor in the Franklin, TN area, Dr. Crist has the experience and training you need to live a healthier lifestyle.

Contact Crist Chiropractic & Wellness to schedule a consultation.