- Bones
- Joints
- Ligaments
- Muscles
- Injured
- Strained
- Sprained

Achieving Sleep Solutions
The connection between sleep disturbance in individuals who suffer from acute or chronic back pain is high. Fortunately, back pain does not have to ruin the sleep experience. There are strategies to achieve better sleep. These include:- Adjusting sleep positions
- Improving sleep hygiene
- Better understanding the source of pain
Sleep Positions
When back pain presents, finding a comfortable position leads to endless tossing and turning. But sleeping in the wrong position can worsen chronic/acute back pain, or create new injury and pain. Here are some options for alleviating pain:
Back sleeping
Sleeping on the back is the best position anatomically, especially for back pain. It evenly distributes the body’s weight putting less strain on the back. For optimal results, use a soft pillow with minimal height to keep the spine aligned with the neck through the low back. Placing a pillow under the legs can also reduce stress on the low back. Back sleeping is also not recommended for pregnant women in their second or third trimester. This is because the weight can press against the spine causing strain. It can also press on the main vein that carries blood back to the heart from the lower extremities. This can interfere with circulation causing dizziness. For this stage sleeping on the side is recommended.Side sleeping
Sleeping on the side is considered a safe position for those with back pain. However, this is only if the mattress has proper support. Side sleepers need a mattress that maintains spinal alignment. Any strain while sleeping translates into backaches. Side sleepers should also utilize a pillow with enough height to hold their heads so that the spine stays aligned. To keep the mid-spine from sinking into the mattress, place a pillow in the waist area below the ribcage above the pelvis. This will maintain a neutral position. Using a pillow between the legs and slightly with the knees up toward the torso in a relaxed position along with a body pillow for extra comfort and support.Stomach sleeping
Stomach sleeping is strongly discouraged by a majority of medical professionals, including the American Chiropractic Association. This is because this flattens the natural curve of the spine, straining the low back placing unnecessary pressure on the neck from twisting the head for prolonged periods. If stomach sleeping is a must use a pillow with a very little height so that the neck stays aligned with the backbone. Also, place a thin pillow under the pelvis, this gives the lower back more support.
Achieving Pain-Free Sleep
Here are some other strategies for achieving pain-free sleep.Mattress quality
Mattress quality affects healthy sleep, especially when it comes to back pain. Older, sagging mattresses lose performance factors needed to support the lower back, relieve pressure points, and maintain spinal alignment. Newer mattresses with memory foam, latex, or a hybrid with a core of innerspring, have been proven to help back pain and achieve better sleep.Getting in and out of bed
Getting into and out of bed can be a challenge. There are techniques that limit movement and put minimal pressure on the back, reducing back pain. One technique works by sitting on the edge of the bed and then leaning to the right or left making sure to keep the spine aligned and ease down onto the mattress. Bring the knees up so the body is entirely on its side. Then, in one smooth movement, gently roll onto the back. To get out of bed do the same steps reversed. Because getting into and out of bed requires sitting or lying on the edge of the mattress, make sure the mattress has enough edge support so it won’t sag when sitting.Healthy sleep habits
Adopting healthy sleep habits ensures proper sleep. Establish a consistent sleep schedule going to bed and waking up at around the same time every day, including weekends. Schedule at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Establish a relaxing nighttime routine around half an hour to an hour before sleep to help release any tension.- Take a warm bath
- Practice yoga or meditation
- Listen to gentle music
- Read a little
- Avoid electronic devices
- Don’t drink caffeinated drinks from mid-afternoon on
- Drink warm caffeine-free tea to help the body calm down before sleep
- Sleep in an environment that is cool, dark, and comfortable

Back Pain Types
Pain can be severe or persistent. Understanding the source is one of the first steps toward knowing how to treat and manage it.Posture
The bones and muscles can slip out of alignment with poor posture and not switching positions to allow the muscles, and bones to relax and recover. This can lead to:- Muscle tightness
- Headaches
- Back pain upper to lower
- Muscle fatigue
- Tingling
- Numbness
Muscle Strain
Muscle strains happen when the muscles or attaching tendons get damaged. This can happen when lifting something heavy or working out too hard. However, it can also happen during regular activities if the muscles are not warmed up. Muscle strain can cause swelling, bruising/redness, and pain in the muscle/s even when resting.Nerve Pain
Nerve pain can is unpredictable. Nerve-related back pain usually involves the sciatic nerve. When the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, inflamed, pinched, or compressed, the pain can be felt in the low back and radiate down the leg to the foot.Fractures and Bone Spurs
Bone pain is usually caused by a fracture or bone spur. Fractures cause a deep ache. Bone spurs, or bony growths that appear on the edge of a bone, often along the spine. If bone spurs press on the nerves, it can cause:- Weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling in the arms or legs
- Muscle spasms and cramps
Medical Emergency
Sometimes back pain requires a visit to a medical professional to rule out more serious causes, like fractures, tumors, or infections of the spine. Symptoms to look out for include:- Fever could indicate an infection
- Trauma, like a fall, could indicate a fracture
- A diagnosis of osteoporosis could mean a fracture has occurred
- Numbness or tingling could indicate nerve irritation/inflammation damage
- History of cancer
- Foot drop condition and needing to lift the foot higher to prevent dragging, which could be a sign of a nerve or a muscle condition
- Pain that presents only at night when sleeping
- Unexplained weight loss can accompany infection or tumors
- Advanced age increases the risk for infections, tumors, and abdominal issues