Is Your Sleep Causing Your Back Pain? | Cedarburg Chiropractic Tips

Sleep and low back pain are closely linked, often creating a frustrating cycle: poor sleep quality exacerbates pain, while that very discomfort makes it impossible to get a restful night. Breaking this cycle is essential for your recovery and long-term spinal health.

The Science of Sleep and Chronic Pain Research published in the Journal of Pain Research highlights that individuals with chronic low back pain frequently suffer from sleep disturbances. This includes:

Difficulty falling asleep.

Waking up frequently throughout the night.

Feeling unrefreshed or stiff in the morning.

Over time, inadequate sleep actually increases your sensitivity to pain and limits your body’s natural ability to repair damaged tissues.

How Your Sleeping Habits Impact Your Spine When you sleep, your body enters "repair mode." However, if your spinal alignment isn't supported, you aren't actually resting—you’re straining. Unsupported posture during the night is a leading cause of the morning stiffness many of our Cedarburg patients describe during their first visit.

4 Tips for Better Sleep and Back Pain Relief If you’re waking up sore, try these four strategies to protect your spine overnight:

Choose a Medium-Firm Mattress: Research suggests that medium-firm surfaces provide the best balance of support and comfort for maintaining natural spinal curves.

*Adjust Your Position: Side Sleepers:** Place a pillow between your knees to keep your hips level.

Back Sleepers: Place a small pillow under your knees to maintain the curve of your lower back.

Avoid stomach sleeping, as it forces the neck and spine into unnatural angles.

Establish a "Wind-Down" Routine: Calm your nervous system with deep breathing or light, chiropractor-approved stretching before bed.

Incorporate Chiropractic Care: Spinal misalignments (subluxations) can keep your body in a state of "fight or flight," making deep sleep difficult. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment, reducing the nerve interference that contributes to both pain and insomnia.

Expert Back Pain Relief in Cedarburg, WI You don't have to choose between a good night's sleep and a pain-free back. At Newporte Courte Family Chiropractic, we specialize in helping the Cedarburg community find long-term relief through personalized chiropractic care. By addressing the root cause of your spinal issues, we help you get back to the restful sleep you deserve.