The Best Sleeping Position for Upper Back Pain
How you sleep matters when you have upper back pain. Our La Cañada Flintridge chiropractors walk through the positions that help — and the ones to avoid.
If your upper back pain is worst in the morning, your sleep setup is a huge part of the story. You spend a third of your life in bed — the position you're in matters more than any single stretch.
The thoracic spine is designed for rotation and rib expansion, but hours at a desk lock it into flexion. When those joints stiffen, the muscles between the shoulder blades take the brunt of it.
The Best Positions for Upper Back Pain
Side sleeping with support: For most spine-related pain, side sleeping with a pillow between the knees keeps the pelvis level and takes pressure off the low back and hips. Add a small pillow hugged to your chest to keep the upper body neutral.
Back sleeping with knees supported: Also excellent — a pillow under the knees lets the low back settle into a neutral curve. A relatively flat pillow under the head keeps the neck aligned.
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Call (818) 707-5724 or book online. Same-week appointments in La Cañada Flintridge — serving Pasadena, Glendale, La Crescenta, Montrose, Burbank, and Altadena.