Problems sleeping on my back?

Question

I have lower back pain and I was told a long time ago that I should only sleep on my back and my sides and never on my stomach. Unfortunately sleeping on my sides is painful and I don't know why. That leaves lying on my back as the only option. The problem is that my back feels super uncomfortable after 20 mins and I start tossing and turning.

Anything I can do to feel more relaxed on while lying my back?

Answer 1

I also have a back problem, i have a twisted vertabrae in my spine.

Laying on your back isnt very comfortable at all. First try a thinner pillow, laying flat does wonders for your back and the less your head is raised the more comfortable you will find sleeping.

Laying on your sides is easily made comfortable. Lay one leg straight and the one closest to the cieling bend so your legs make a p shape. this will level your bodyweight onto both legs and will stop you from laying on your belly.

After i tried this for a while (the p shape) i found it so comfortable it is the only way i can sleep now.

Make sure your bed is very flat and if possible buy a matress that helps back problems. The flatter the bed the better it is for your spine.

I hope it gets better for you x

Answer 2

I have a lower back problem as well and was told that the correct way to sleep was on my side as your spine is in better alignment that way.
I use a body pillow and put it between my knees and sleep in the fetal position and that seems to help.
If you can't sleep like that maybe try a pillow under your knees or a small pillow under the small of your back.
I bought a memory foam mattress and wow did that ever help with back pain.

Answer 3

Your pattern of pain with sleeping suggests a couple of muscle problems that a good Chiropractor or physical therapist should be able to help you with.

First, pain when sleeping on your side is often caused by tightness/contracture or triggerpoints in the Quadratus Lumborum muscles.

Second, discomfort while sleeping on your back is often caused by tightness/contracture or triggerpoints in the Iliopsoas muscle(s).

These muscle problems can be a result of subluxations of the sacroiliac joint(s) and/or lumbar spine vertebrae.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 4

Try putting a small pillow under your lower back. Also, if not contraindicated try some back exercises. Lay flat on a smooth flat surface and pull your knees toward your chest one by one and then hold it there for 15 seconds. Then try doing both knees at the same time. What is the underlying cause of your back pain, though?

Answer 5

I know just what you are talking about! Try this trick, first if you can take a hot bath to relax the nerves and muscels. Then go to bed, lay on your tummy with pillows under your hip bones aprx. You will find the right spot and right hight. I put mine just above the hip bone and use about two very full pillows as they will "deflate" if you will over time and with weight.

Answer 6

You can put a pillow under your legs. That's what the chiropractor recommended. You can also put a pillow between your knees when you lay on your side. Some people find a body pillow helpful to keep them from tossing and turning.

Answer 7

Well stomach problems could be provided by stress which could bring the acids straight back up. I am very sure you will be okay within a little time.

Answer 8

stick a very soft goosedown pillow into your stomach and sleep on your side. sleeping on your back is hard and it's not working for you anyway. i have bad mid back pain and i took out half of the feathers in a goosedown pillow and tuck it in my stomach and it relieves the pressure and gives support.

Answer 9

I sleep on the floor when my back gives me a problem. I sleep on my stoamch and am out for the rest of the night. my back feels great by morning.

Answer 10

i have the same problem and i try to sleep half way over =it is hard but can be done=good luck