Sleep Set-up

Aug 30

At WYLD Chiropractic we often get asked “What is the best sleeping position?” or “What is the best pillow?”

Everybody is unique and therefore there is no one size fits all answer, but there are a few things to look out for when assessing your sleeping set-up to get a restful night sleep.

Sleep Set-up — Sleeping Position

For most people we recommended sleeping on your side or your back. Sleeping on your stomach can place extra stress on your neck and upper back and can increase low back pain in some.
Side sleeping is by far the most common sleeping position and may be especially beneficial for pregnant women, people with acid reflux, and people with back pain. The side sleeping position is not recommended for people with shoulder pain.

Best pillow height — Pillow Height

When choosing the right pillow, the biggest factor to consider is height. You want a pillow that keeps your neck in a neutral position. A general rule of thumb is to choose a pillow with a loft, or thickness, that matches the distance between your neck and your shoulder. At WYLD Chiropractic we recommend asking a friend or family member to take a picture of you lying on your pillow and have us assess your set-up at your next appointment. If your neck is too high or too low it can contribute to neck stiffness.

Pillow Material

Memory foam pillows have become more popular over the years due to their ability to provide good support for your head and neck. At WYLD Chiropractic we sell an adjustable memory foam pillow on our online store that many clients love. Ask us about it next time you are visiting.

Book Your Consultation Now

If you struggle to sleep, magnesium citrate is our go to supplement for getting into a deeper state of sleep. All of our clients love it!

What To Expect At Your First Chiropractic Visit

An initial Chiropractic exam for back pain will typically have three parts: a consultation, case history, and physical examination. Laboratory analysis and X-ray examination may be performed.
1. Consultation. The patient meets with the chiropractor and provides a brief synopsis of his or her lower back pain, such as:
  - Duration and frequency of symptoms
  - Description of the symptoms (e.g. burning, throbbing)
  - Areas of pain
  - What makes the pain feel better (e.g. sitting, stretching)
  - What makes the pain feel worse (e.g. standing, lifting).
2. Case history. The chiropractor identifies the area(s) of complaint and the nature of the back pain by asking questions and learning more about different areas of the patient's history, including:
  - Family history
  - Dietary habits
  - Past history of other treatments (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical and other)
  - Occupational history
  - Psychosocial history
  - Other areas to probe, often based on responses to above questions
  - Physical examination. A chiropractor may utilize a variety of methods to determine the spinal segments that require chiropractic treatments, including but not limited to static and motion palpation techniques determining spinal segments that are hypo mobile (restricted in their movement) or fixated. Depending on the results of the above examination, a chiropractor may use additional diagnostic tests, such as:
    1. X-ray to locate subluxations (the altered position of the vertebra)
    2. A device that detects the temperature of the skin in the paraspinal region to identify spinal areas with a significant temperature variance that requires manipulation.
      Chiropractors are trained in a variety of methods to assess the underlying cause of the problem, including:
      1. Evaluation and management services. Chiropractors are trained in examining the joints, bones, muscles and tendons of the spine, head, extremities and other areas of the body with the purpose of noting any misalignment, tenderness, asymmetry, defects or other problems.
        Neurologic and other common physical examination procedures. Chiropractors are trained to perform a variety of neurologic tests (nerve root compression/tension, motor strength, coordination, deep tendon and pathological reflexes, etc.) and are skilled in performing orthopedic, cardiovascular and many other common examinations.
        Specialised assessment. Chiropractors are trained to assess range of motion, stability, muscle strength, muscle tone and other assessments with the lower back.
        Common diagnostic studies. Chiropractors are trained in use of diagnostic studies and tools such as radiography (X-rays), laboratory diagnostics and neurodiagnostics.