Highland Physical Therapy

How To Sleep With Upper Back Pain? 5 Proven Tips

As the countdown to 2024 begins, we’re all looking forward to a fresh start and renewed energy.
Yet, for many, the prospect of another restless night due to upper back pain looms large.
No one wants to ring in the New Year feeling fatigued and worn down before the celebrations even start.
But there’s good news: it doesn’t have to be this way.
With the right approach, you can alleviate that troublesome upper back pain and embrace the New Year with the restful sleep you deserve.
Understanding Back Pain While Sleeping:
Upper back pain during the night can be caused by a variety of factors, from poor posture during the day to an unsupportive mattress or even stress.
It affects people in profound ways, not just hindering quality sleep, but also impacting mood, energy levels, and overall health.
Often, it’s a cycle where pain disrupts sleep, and the lack of sleep exacerbates the pain.
Understanding the root causes and their effects is the first step toward breaking this cycle.
5 Tips on Relieving Upper Back Pain While Sleeping:
Optimal Pillow Alignment:
Your pillow can be your best friend or your worst enemy.
Use a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck and keeps your spine in alignment.
Consider a memory foam pillow or a cervical pillow specifically designed for this purpose.
The goal is to keep your head not too high or too low but just right, like Goldilocks, ensuring your upper back isn’t strained as you sleep.
Mattress Matters:
A supportive mattress is key to preventing and relieving upper back pain.
If your mattress is too soft, it can cause your body to sink and throw your spine out of alignment.
Too hard, and it can put pressure on your shoulders and upper back.
Look for a medium-firm mattress, or add a mattress topper for additional support.
Remember, your mattress should be a cradle of comfort, not a source of pain.
Sleeping Positions:
Your sleeping position can significantly impact upper back pain.
Sleeping on your back is often best for spinal alignment, but if you’re a side sleeper, keep your legs straight and avoid curling up in a fetal position.
Use a body pillow for extra support if needed.
Whichever position you choose, make it a nightly ritual to arrange your body in a way that supports your back, and you’ll wake up feeling more refreshed.
Stretch Before Bed:
Gentle stretching can work wonders for upper back pain.
Incorporate a stretching routine into your nighttime ritual.
Focus on exercises that stretch and relax the upper back and neck muscles.
Think of it as a lullaby for your muscles, soothing them into a state of relaxation before you drift off to sleep.
Daytime Posture and Movement:
The way you hold yourself during the day affects how you feel at night.
Practice good posture and take breaks to move and stretch, especially if you have a desk job.
These moments of movement are like deposits in your sleep bank, paying off with interest in the form of pain-free nights.
Recover From Back Injuries Fast With Highland Physical Therapy
We recognize that each person’s path to healing and wellness is as individual as they are.
That’s why, at Highland Physical Therapy, we are excited to offer FREE  Specialized Back Pain Assessments back pain assessments.
These FREE Back Pain Assessments are pivotal in uncovering the unique factors contributing to your discomfort, allowing us to craft a treatment plan that’s as unique as your needs.
This no-cost assessment could be the transformative step you’ve been searching for on your journey to recovery and better health.
And if coming to our clinic isn’t an option for you right now, don’t worry – we’re just a phone call away with FREE Telephone Consultations) (We genuinely love speaking with you all!).
Connect with Highland Physical Therapy today – because you deserve the best care!
Additional Free Resources For Upper Back Pain
Read Our Blog- 5 How To Stop Ankle Pain Without Painkillers
Read Our Blog – 3 Tips To Recover From Ankle Injuries Fast
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