Chronic back pain and its consequences can infiltrate every aspect of one’s life. Sleeping is certainly no exception. Many people deal with issues such as discomfort and poor sleep quality. In fact, nearly 60% of these individuals report regular sleep disturbances.
Lack of sleep alone comes with its own set of consequences. It is suggested that the average individual between the ages 26 and 64 gets between 7 and 9 hours of sleep nightly for optimum performance. Lack of adequate sleep, over time, can cause lowered moods, decreased work performance, lowered immune response, and weight gain. Chronic lower back pain sufferers also tend to take more sick leave than those without, on average. So, what can one do?
Check The Quality Of Your Mattress
Research suggests that sleeping on a medium-firm mattress, especially one with adjustable firmness, promotes comfort, proper spinal alignment, and quality sleep. If body aches and pain are a concern for you, research also suggests that the surface you sleep on makes a difference in your comfort.
Sleeping Position
When determining your best sleep position, it is important to remember the importance of supporting the natural curvature of the spine. Avoid sleeping in the fetal position, instead, try to elongate your body. Placing a pillow between the knees when sleeping on one’s side has been shown to be beneficial for chronic back pain sufferers. Also, be mindful to select a pillow that holds the head midway between the shoulders so that the neck is neither drooping nor angled sharply upwards.
Exercise
How you treat your body during your waking hours plays a large role in how it feels when the time comes to wind down. Individuals with lower back pain demonstrate on average significantly reduced back muscle endurance. Consistent practice of strengthening exercises under the supervision of a healthcare professional has proven to lead to positive treatment outcomes.
Treating/Managing Back Pain
Back pain is one of the top reasons that people begin to lose mobility in middle age. Pain can keep people from engaging in physical activity, making it more difficult for them to maintain a healthy weight and keep up their strength, stamina, and balance as they age. So, treating and managing back pain that results from injuries or health problems is crucial for staying on the path of a healthy and active life.
Remember that back pain is not a condition, but rather a symptom of a greater problem. If you or someone you know is living with acute or chronic back pain, know that there is a solution. Learn more about how St. Paul Chiropractic and Natural Medicine Center can aid in solutions to manage your back pain by calling us at (651) 644-7207.
