Sleeping positions that protect your back

Sleeping on your back

Sleeping on your side

General guidelines for sleeping:

• Sleep so that your back is in a neutral position. The neutral position keeps the back in its natural three front-to-back curves that give the spine an "S" shape.
• Use a rolled towel to support your lower back or place a pillow under your knees when sleeping on your back.
• Place a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side.

To rise from bed:

• Roll onto your side and bend both knees.
• Drop your feet over the side of the bed as you push with both arms to sit up.
• Slide to the edge of the bed and position your feet under your buttocks.
• Stand up, keeping your back in the neutral position.