Back pain is perhaps the number one reason people head to the chiropractor for help. Some people have spinal conditions and injuries, but with others, something as simple as their usual sleeping habits can be the issue causing the pain. Here is a look at some of the ways people sleep that can cause spinal problems and why.

Mistake #1: Not keeping your spine in a neutral position.

Sleeping in a way that puts pressure on your spine is often a lot to do with the support your mattress provides. The spine is in a neutral position when it is relaxed and not curved or bent. If you have a mattress that dips down in the middle, for example, your spine is going to be bent all through the night even if you are sleeping on your back.

Mistake #2: Sleeping on your stomach.

Did you know that sleeping on your stomach forces you to hold your upper spine in an awkward position for long hours at a time? According to Cleveland Clinic, sleeping on your stomach is actually the worst position for your back. If you are a constant stomach sleeper, put forth an effort to change up your sleeping position when you can and change the direction your head is pointing often.

Mistake #3: Not using a pillow to support your head and neck.

Some people actually prefer to sleep without a pillow or with a very low-profile pillow, but if your head is out of line with your spine, it can cause upper back and neck pain throughout the day. If you don’t use a pillow, at least use a small rolled-up towel or cushion just under your neck to support it while you sleep. On the flip side, using too many pillows under your head can also cause problems. Your goal should be to maintain a neutral position so your upper spine is not awkwardly positioned.

The bottom line is, if you are having back problems, it could be worth examining how you sleep to determine if that could be part of the problem. Reach out to us at Shadowood Chiropractic Center for more information about how we can help you with your back pain and ailments.