If you’ve got a testy lower back, here’s something you can do in your sleep that might help: Sleep on your side.
Health experts say that this position puts less strain on your spine than sleeping on your back or your stomach does.
Less Painful Positioning
Joseph A. Abboud, MD, and Soo Kim Abboud, MD, coauthors of No More Joint Pain, contend that sleeping on your side is better for your back because it produces less curve in the spine. Also helpful: a firm mattress that supports your lower back. Tucking your legs up a bit and placing a pillow between your knees can help keep your spine comfier, too. Watch this video on what causes back pain and what you can do to prevent it.
More Back Issues
Another novel way to protect your back: Avoid cigarette smoke. Aside from all the obvious reasons that tobacco smoke is bad for you, it could also decrease blood flow to your spine and even fuel disc degeneration, according to the book’s authors. Smoking also slows down your body’s ability to heal and recover from injuries.
Keep your spine feeling fine with these other back tips as well:
RealAge Benefit: Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
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Health experts say that this position puts less strain on your spine than sleeping on your back or your stomach does.
Less Painful Positioning
Joseph A. Abboud, MD, and Soo Kim Abboud, MD, coauthors of No More Joint Pain, contend that sleeping on your side is better for your back because it produces less curve in the spine. Also helpful: a firm mattress that supports your lower back. Tucking your legs up a bit and placing a pillow between your knees can help keep your spine comfier, too. Watch this video on what causes back pain and what you can do to prevent it.
More Back Issues
Another novel way to protect your back: Avoid cigarette smoke. Aside from all the obvious reasons that tobacco smoke is bad for you, it could also decrease blood flow to your spine and even fuel disc degeneration, according to the book’s authors. Smoking also slows down your body’s ability to heal and recover from injuries.
Keep your spine feeling fine with these other back tips as well:
- Feed it the good stuff. Chemical compounds in this fruit may help protect the cartilage in your back.
- Get a buff backside. Try these four exercise tricks for keeping your back strong and resilient.
- Sit strong in front of the TV. Learn the easy way to strengthen your back while channel surfing.
RealAge Benefit: Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
Take the RealAge Test
