{"id":25646,"date":"2020-07-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-02T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.nystquexulva.site\/can-sleeping-position-cause-back-pain\/"},"modified":"2026-10-15T15:56:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T19:56:48","slug":"can-sleeping-position-cause-back-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nystquexulva.site\/blog\/can-sleeping-position-cause-back-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Sleep Position Causing Your Back Pain?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Is your sleep position causing your back pain? To find out, focus on the practical factors that affect comfort, support, durability, and sleep quality. Evaluate the materials, construction, fit for your sleep position and body type, care requirements, and any relevant health considerations. Use measurable criteria and current expert guidance rather than relying on a single marketing claim or trend<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s a good chance that ever since childhood, you’ve had a favorite sleep position. Maybe you choose to snooze on your back, side, or stomach\u2014and perhaps you haven’t given it a second thought. But if you’re dealing with chronic back pain<\/a>, it may be time to switch up your sleep position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can your sleeping position cause back pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne’s preferred sleeping position can contribute to their back pain,” says Thomas Tozer, chiropractor at Imperium Chiropractic<\/a> in Wisconsin. Sleeping on your stomach, in particular, is bad for your back, he says, because it’s hard to maintain neutral spinal alignment while in this position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, sleeping in the same position in the same spot night after night can lead to back pain. “If someone only sleeps in one position in the same spot in a mattress, and the mattress breaks down over time, then the proper support may be lost,” explains Tozer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond sleep position and a poor mattress, Tozer cites several other sources of chronic back pain, such as sprains and strains, subluxations in the spine (partial dislocations of the joints), scoliosis, arthritis<\/a>, and degenerative disc disease. These are all things that can benefit from a visit to your physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether your back pain is caused by your sleep position or something else, it can lead to major issues with being able to get a good night’s sleep. \u201cBack pain can be a serious problem,” says Tozer. “Sleeping is a critical time for the body to be able to heal and recover from the stresses of the day. The discomfort of back pain can make sleeping difficult, and not having a proper mattress can hinder the process of healing.” (Find out whether going to a chiropractor<\/a> can improve your sleep.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feature \/ Consideration<\/th>What to Look For<\/th>Why It Matters<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Firmness \/ Loft<\/strong><\/td>Medium-Firm to Firm (6\u20138\/10)<\/td>Prevents your hips from sinking and keeps the spine in neutral alignment.<\/td><\/tr>
Pressure-Relief Need<\/strong><\/td>Moderate to High<\/td>Cushions shoulders and hips without causing the lower back to sag.<\/td><\/tr>
Support Need<\/strong><\/td>High (Lumbar Focus)<\/td>Ensures structural integrity so your body can heal and recover overnight.<\/td><\/tr>
Materials to Consider<\/strong><\/td>Latex, HD Foam, or Hybrids<\/td>Delivers a mix of responsive contouring and long-term durability.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The best sleep positions for back pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some sleep positions are truly better for you than others, and Tozer has his preferences. \u201cI don’t recommend stomach sleeping<\/a> for both low back and neck health,” he says. \u201cI recommend side and <\/strong><\/strong>back sleeping<\/a> and varying those positions through the night.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleeping on your back<\/a> helps keep your head, neck, and spine in a neutral position. That takes the pressure off those areas and makes it a lot less likely you’ll wake up with aches and pains in the morning. Sleeping on your side<\/a> can also help keep your spine in neutral alignment and minimize back pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One 2016 study focused on the effects of sleep positions on back pain<\/a> in physically active seniors. After four weeks of sleeping in the recommended position (lying on the back), 90% of the participants indicated a significant decrease in back pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may seem nearly impossible to train your body to adopt a sleep position that’s better for your back, but it is doable. Here are Tozer’s tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n