Lower back pain is extremely common, with 84% of people experiencing it at least once in their life. Some mild back pain immediately after waking up is not unusual, and you can attribute it to stiffness after sleeping for 8 hours.
But if that pain continues minutes and even hours after you are out of bed and start your day, something else may be causing it. It could be a medical issue, a bad mattress, or a poor sleep position. In most cases though, lower back pain is caused by an unsupportive sleep position which puts pressure on your spine and leads to pain.
If you sleep on your stomach, for instance, you are bound to twist your neck out of alignment with the rest of the spine. This worsens if your mattress is too soft and your body sinks, leaving the neck and head up due to the head pillow. In retrospect, back and side sleeping isn’t better either, and they both expose your spine to misalignment since the body is heavier in some places than others.
So, what is the solution? Well, there are two feasible solutions.
Change Your Mattress
One, you need to check the firmness of your mattress to ensure it is supportive enough for your body weight. If you’ve had your mattress for over 5 years and it’s starting to feel soft and uneven, it may be time to replace it. Similarly, if the mattress is new but too firm, you must find a way to make it softer or get a medium-firm mattress.
Get A Body Pillow For Lower Back Pain
The job of a body pillow is to improve spinal alignment by supporting those areas that are out of alignment. The best body pillow for lower back pain will enhance your sleeping posture and alleviate pressure points, not to mention it also provides warmth and comfort.
Body pillows are tailored for different sleepers, some rectangular and others shaped to fit between your legs or hug your entire body. Your choice will really be up to preference and specific needs. Personally, I love a full-body pillow that I can cuddle with and use as head and knee support because I sleep on my side. As a back sleeper, you may want something rectangular to place under the small of your back or below your knees to keep your spine straight.
If you want a recommendation, here are two of the best body pillows for back pain, based on quality, affordability, and ease of care.
Body Pillow For Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many women experience lower back pain and other discomfort due to the added stress on their bodies. A body pillow can provide support and relief by cradling the belly, aligning the spine, and easing pressure on the hips and lower back. This can help pregnant women get the rest they need during this important time. Body pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose one that best suits your needs. Some are specifically designed for use during pregnancy, while others can be used before and after pregnancy. There are even body pillows for specific trimesters of pregnancy.
No matter which type of body pillow you choose, there are many benefits to using one during pregnancy. With the support of a body pillow, you can sleep more comfortably, reduce stress on your body, and ease lower back pain. You may even find that you’re able to sleep through the night without waking up multiple times. If you’re pregnant and searching for ways to get more rest, a body pillow may be just what you need.
RESTCLOUD Store Adjustable Lumbar Support Pillow for Sleeping
This ergonomically designed lumbar support pillow is all you need for healthy lumbar spine curvature. It is made of new bamboo memory foam, which is healthier, cooler, and cleaner. It is soft but still supportive enough without being uncomfortable.
The pillow is height adjustable because you can remove the middle cushion to make it shorter. The best thing about this body pillow is that it’s suitable for all sleeping positions, and you only need to place it around your midsection when sleeping.
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Full Body Pillow
If you are a side sleeper, this Home Goods body pillow is perfect for you. At 20×54 inches, it is long and wide enough to support your head, hands, midsection, and between your knees, ensuring your spinal curvature is perfect.
We love that you can adjust this pillow to make it thinner by removing some of the filling. It is made of a memory foam/microfiber blend, making it comfortable and supportive, and the cover is super breathable and cool.
Final Thoughts
Seeing as to how quality sleep is important for our health and productivity, investing in a good body pillow should be a no-brainer. Get one that suits your sleeping position and your needs and make your sleep something to look forward to.
Plus- if you pregnant, a body pillow can be a great solution to total body support, for your belly, hips and arms. During pregnancy a body pillow can be your night saver!