How to Ease Lower Back Pain While Sleeping

At one time or another, most of us will experience some sort of lower back pain. The causes are many and the pain can be quite extreme. Some people experience back pain while sleeping, but feel fine the rest of the time. This article will show you how to help eliminate back pain while at rest.

Things You'll Need

• extra pillows
• firm mattress

Instructions

1. 

   Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. Your knees should be slightly bent. Experiment with different sizes of pillows and decide which one results in the most comfort for you. This takes pressure off the lower back and allows for proper hip placement.

2. 

   Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. Raising the knees slightly will also raise your back slightly and will take pressure off your lower back.

3. When sleeping on your back, also try sleeping with a pillow under the small of your back and buttocks. You don't want a pillow that is too large here.

4. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Stomach sleeping places too much pressure on your neck and can place your back in an awkward bent position. Too many years of this will surely result in future back pain.

5. A good exercise you can do upon awakening is to lie on your back and slowly pull your knees into your chest. Alternate knees and do several sets of five. This will give your back a good stretch before climbing out of bed.

6. Make sure you are sleeping on a firm mattress. Soft or sagging mattresses will contribute to back pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with different size pillows and determine which is the most comfortable for you.