Getting out of bed in the morning can be a figurative pain for many reasons. For one, who couldn’t use more sleep? I find myself wishing I could sleep just a little longer most days, especially in the winter time when it’s dark in the morning. Getting out of bed can also be a literal pain for some people. It’s important that we learn proper body mechanics when getting out of bed to ensure that our day starts in the best way possible. Though I can’t give you permission to keep hitting the snooze button, I can give you some tips for getting yourself up and at ’em, so you can start your day on the right foot.
Injury, degenerative changes, and improper body mechanics are some of the most common sources of back pain. If you currently have back pain, there are several ways of getting in and out of bed to decrease the discomfort while you heal. First, to move from lying on your back, bend your knees upward and roll onto your side. Next, slide your legs off the edge of your bed with your knees bent. Finally, push yourself up with your arms, using your legs as a counter weight and sit up.
To move from sitting to lying down, reverse the procedure. Begin sitting on the bed, then lower yourself down onto your side, using your arms to help guide you. Once you are lying on your side, you may slide your legs up onto your bed. Make sure to keep your knees bent to roll onto your back. Body mechanics while getting in and out of bed is only part of the battle when it comes to pain. Proper sleep positions are also very important. You can read more about those here.
Post Written by: Clint Bunker, PT
