Back pain has become extremely common in today’s society, affecting nearly one in ten people globally. When you suffer from back pain, it can be challenging to get a good night’s sleep. Most people with back pain see their slumber as an aggravating time spent enduring discomfort until they somehow fall asleep. Back pain can result in sleep deprivation which is known to affect mood and can even negatively impact a person’s perception of pain, only adding fuel to the fire.
However, there are a number of things that those with low back pain can do to help themselves achieve a more restful night’s sleep. Making sure your mattress is up to par is crucial. Older mattresses can develop grooves over time, lacking the support and comfort that your body needs. Choosing a mattress that will allow the spinal cord to lie straight, in a natural alignment is suggested as it relives pressure points most commonly associated with back pain. High-quality foam mattresses rank highest when it comes to pain relief.
Your sleep position can have a massive impact on your comfort level as well. Incorporating these simple adjustments may be a lifesaver:
If you sleep on your side: Add a pillow between your legs and slightly pull your knees up towards your midsection. Many people find body pillows to work very well.
If you sleep on your back: Put a pillow under your knees to allow your spine to maintain its natural curve.
If you sleep on your stomach: Stomach sleeping is not generally recommended for those with low back pain as it tends to flatten the natural curve of the spine and place added strain on the muscles. If this your only go-to, placing a pillow under your pelvis may help.
By integrating some of these helpful tips into your lifestyle, you may be able to ease your nightly pain and facilitate better rest. If you are interested in finding new treatment options for your chronic lower back pain, a research study may be an option. Study participants are seen by board-certified physicians and may receive access to new medications before the public. Compensation is also available for time and travel expense.
