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Last Updated: December 18th, 2024 at 11:36 pm
How often do you lay on your stomach? I’m here to tell you that it should be more often than it is; especially if you have back pain
It’s no secret that we modern humans spend a lot of time sitting. If I had to guess, you’re probably reading this in some sort of a seated position.
Whether we’re sitting in the car, sitting for work, sitting while eating, or sitting to take a break, our spine is often in a flexed position (bent forwards)
This sustained lumbar flexed position is often something that aggravates peoples’ backs whether they have an acute problem or just a persistent achiness.
One of the simplest and easiest remedies for this problem is to reverse the curve. Or in other words: extend your back instead of flex it.
For my patients who have back pain, I always assess how much time they spend in a forward flexed position compared to a backwards extended position. The results of my questioning are usually that people spend considerably more time in a flexed position and have never thought about laying on their stomach throughout the day
Spend time laying on your stomach periodically throughout the day
Advising my patients with back pain to lay on their stomachs more is one of the first things I tell them. It’s simple, easy, and, once you get used to it, very comfortable.
You can read while laying on your stomach
You can scroll social media while laying on your stomach
You can type on a computer while laying on your stomach
The list goes on and on.
I’m even typing this email right now while laying on my stomach
Give it a try for yourself! Grab a pillow and spend a few minutes laying on your stomach. If it feels nice, think about incorporating it periodically in your day.
This laying on your stomach tip is often one of the first steps I include in the care of the hundreds of patients I’ve helped with low back pain
If you’re having some more serious trouble with your low back, I can help.
Schedule a free 15 minute discovery phone call with me to get started. Over the phone, we’ll chat about your issue and we’ll see if we’re a good fit to work together.
Your best is yet to come!
-Dr. Michael