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A good night’s sleep is essential for people’s overall well-being, but many struggle due to discomfort, pain, and sometimes, improper spinal alignment. The key to a good night’s sleep is keeping the spine naturally aligned by using a combination of sleep position, mattress style, and pillow type. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments focusing on improving spinal health can help promote better sleep.
What Sort of Bed Do Chiropractors Recommend?
The old advice doctors used to recommend was for people struggling with back pain to sleep on very firm mattresses, but one survey of nearly 300 people found that people who sleep on extra hard mattresses actually have the poorest sleep quality. A soft mattress can conform to your body’s natural curves, which is great if your joints align comfortably but you may sink and twist yourself into a painful night’s sleep. Replace your mattress every 7-10 years, as it softens over time and may no longer support proper spinal alignment while you sleep.
What Mattresses Do Chiropractors Suggest?
Chiropractors recommend mattresses that offer balanced support and comfort. Memory foam and latex mattresses are popular choices, as they contour to the body while maintaining proper spinal alignment. These materials help reduce pressure points and provide support to the natural curvature of the spine, ensuring that the sleeper’s body is properly aligned throughout the night. Hybrid mattresses that use both memory foam and latex with innerspring coils are also recommended for those who prefer a bit more bounce while still benefiting from the contouring properties of foam.
A mattress that is too soft can cause the spine to sag, while one that is too firm may lead to discomfort, so chiropractors often advise choosing a medium-firm mattress that supports the body’s natural alignment. There is no singular choice for “the right mattress” as it is a highly individual choice based on one’s body and its needs.
Do Chiropractors Recommend Pillows?
The right pillow can help with neck strain, headaches, and shoulder pain. Chiropractors recommend using them, but finding the one right for your needs is generally up to you. The pillow should support proper neck and spine alignment while you sleep.
In addition to finding the right equipment for a good night’s rest, chiropractic adjustments can also help people find a more restful sleep by easing muscle tension, relaxing the body, and relieving pain and discomfort. The Graston Technique®, as a form of soft tissue mobilization, uses specialized instruments to break down adhesions and improve blood flow. The technique can help treat discomfort and promote relaxation.
What Is the Best Pillow for Spine Alignment?
The best kind of pillow depends on your sleep position. Back sleepers should use a medium-firm pillow to support the neck’s natural curve, while side sleepers need a thicker, firmer pillow to fill the gap between the neck and mattress. People who sleep on their stomachs tend to prefer a thinner pillow or none at all to avoid straining their necks.
What Is the Best Bed for Spine Alignment?
A medium-firm mattress tends to offer more advantages to people with non-specific back pain. Studies have shown these mattresses can improve sleep quality and have a lower risk of developing new back pain problems. Beds that have active control help with the orthopedic column alignment and sleep quality.
Explore the Benefits of Chiropractic Care at East Bay Chiropractic Wellness
East Bay Chiropractic specializes in the use of the Graston Technique® for treatment and pain management caused by soft tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation. As the first on Long Island to be certified in the use of the technique and with more than 30 years of experience, you know you’ll be in good hands. Contact East Bay Chiropractic today to learn more about how we can help you.
