How to sleep with lower back pain
UC neurosurgeon featured in Prevention article
A majority of people have had or will have lower back pain in their life. The University of Cincinnati's Owoicho Adogwa, MD, spoke with Prevention on ways to sleep when you have lower back pain.
Adogwa said lack of sleep impairs the body's ability to heal and recover, so poor sleep can aggravate existing lower back problems.
“Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees helps maintain the natural curve of the spine, reducing stress on the lower back,” said Adogwa, a UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute physician researcher and assistant professor of neurosurgery in UC's College of Medicine. “Side sleeping with a pillow between the knees keeps the hips, pelvis, and spine in better alignment, minimizing strain on the lumbar region.”
Folks dealing with poor sleep may also want to take a look at their mattress, Adogwa said.
“A mattress that is too soft may cause the spine to sag, leading to poor spinal alignment and increased pressure on the lower back,” he explained. “Conversely, a mattress that is too firm may fail to support the natural curves of the spine, causing discomfort and stiffness.”
Stretches and/or yoga before bed can also "alleviate muscle tension," according to Adogwa.
Featured photo at top of Dr. Adogwa in surgery. Photo/UC Health.
Related Stories
Recent advances may speed time to endometriosis diagnosis
March 16, 2026
The average time to clinical diagnosis of endometriosis is nine years. Definitive diagnosis of the disease is difficult, and until recently, has relied on laparoscopic surgery. Now, as Medscape recently reported, novel clinical recommendations, advanced diagnostic tools and research into inflammation and immune responses, are bringing promise that women with endometriosis will find relief sooner and without surgery, according to experts, including Katie Burns, PhD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine associate professor.
Position-specific helmets may not improve protection
March 16, 2026
Local 12 highlighted a new study by biomedical engineering researchers that looked at how well new football helmets protected players from impacts that can cause concussions.
UC biologist talks about 'pearmageddon'
March 16, 2026
WLWT talks to UC biologist and Department Head Theresa Culley about invasive, nonnative Callery pear trees that are spreading across Ohio forests after they were introduced by landscapers more than 50 years ago.