Common Sleep Mistakes That Cause Back Pain

Getting more back pain than forty winks at night? Check these two common sleeping mistakes from our Southend chiropractor and you could discover the guilty culprit:

Sleeping in the wrong position

Your sleeping position could be causing your back pain. If you sleep on your back, try placing a pillow beneath your knees. If you snooze on your stomach, put a pillow underneath your lower abdomen. And if you’re a side sleeper, tuck a pillow between your knees.

Sleeping on an old mattress

If you’ve had your mattress for 7 years or more, it probably isn’t doing your spine any favours. If you can’t invest in a new mattress right now, adding plywood underneath your existing mattress may help to reduce your back pain and discomfort.

Sleep is crucially important to the overall health of your spine. Don’t let back pain get in the way of a good night’s rest.

Three Reasons Your Neck Is Stiff

Are your aches and pains literally a pain in the neck? Feeling like your cervical spine could do with a gallon of oil to loosen it up?

Our Southend chiropractor highlights three reasons why your neck may be so stiff:

1:  You’re a Smartphone Addict

Yep, that little device that you’re never more than a foot from can be bad news for your neck. “Text neck,” which is a modern cause of neck pain and stiffness, is becoming increasingly prevalent due to the amount of time people spend looking down at mobile devices.

2: Your Position’s all Wrong

Any activity that places your neck in an awkward position for a prolonged period can cause muscle strain. This may include holding your phone against your shoulder as you speak, carrying a bag on one shoulder or working for long hours at a computer.

3: Your Pillow Needs Changing

Ideally, your head and spine should follow a straight line when you sleep. If your pillow is too high or too low, it’s probably time to get a new one!

A stiff neck can be more than just an annoyance; it can be a sign that you need to change some bad habits.