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Health

Sleep like this to avoid back pain

Side, back or front: How do you get your zees? Turns out there's one position to avoid at all costs — and it happens to be mine, as I learned when I told a new massage therapist about my periodic back pain.
By Laurie Jennings
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Side, back or front: How do you get your zees? Turns out there's one position to avoid at all costs — and it happens to be mine, as I learned when I told a new massage therapist about my periodic back pain. "Stomach sleeper?" she guessed. Ah, yes, I confirmed. "No physical therapy will help until you flip over," she said. So for all you belly sleepers, here's how she's helping me turn over. First, put a cushion under your knees. Then pull you head pillow down to your shoulders. Finally, hug a third one against your chest (recreates the pressure of being on your front). I'm not a convert yet, but I went for a run yesterday and my back didn't hurt like it often does. That's motivation enough for me!

Does the way you sleep affect your health?

On Twitter @LaurieJennings

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