Protect Your Back as You Lie Down
Topic Overview
Bending or twisting your back can cause back pain. When you are
getting into bed, avoid twists and bends by following these steps. First, back
up to the bed, reach your hands back toward the bed as you bend your knees, and
use your arms to help lower yourself to
sit straight
on the side of the bed. Then
use your arms
to support you as you lean to the side. At the same time, lift your
legs off the floor. The idea is to keep your back in one nice, straight
position as you lower your upper body and raise your legs.
Keep your back straight
and your legs bent after you are lying down. You can put a
pillow between your knees and stay on your side, or roll onto your back and put
a pillow under your knees.
To get out of bed, do the same steps in reverse: Roll to your side, use your arms to help raise your upper body as you lower your legs to the floor, then use your hands to help push yourself up from the bed.
Related Information
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics |
| Last Revised | February 24, 2010 |
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: February 24, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics | |
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