Is it comfortable to sleep in this position? It could be a sign that the upper part of your spine is curved.

34-year-old office worker Mr. Kang always stretches both arms above his head when falling asleep. He adopts a "raise the flag" posture. This somehow makes him feel refreshed and seems to stretch his stiff body. However, symptoms like Mr. Kang's can occur due to 'thoracic kyphosis.'

 

Thoracic kyphosis is an excessive curvature of the 'upper spine' at a height similar to the chest, bending more than 45 degrees. The normal range of curvature for the upper spine is between 20 and 45 degrees. Dr. Jeong Dong-moon, head of the Department of Neurology at Daedong Hospital, stated, "If lying down and raising your arms feels comfortable, there may already be an abnormality in the spine, and a common cause is thoracic kyphosis."

He said, "Lying down in a 'manse' position causes the shoulders to lift and the muscles between the neck and shoulders to become short, which is normal and causes discomfort. However, if you have thoracic kyphosis, your back temporarily straightens, giving a feeling of relief and comfort." He explained, "Students who study for long hours and modern people who use computers or smartphones daily may develop thoracic kyphosis due to poor posture leading to body imbalance." If thoracic kyphosis worsens, it can lead to a 'hump deformity' where the back becomes hunched and protrudes, and it can also cause spinal pain.

If severe, it can lead to paralysis of the lower limbs. Director Jeong of the medical department said, "If you notice abnormal symptoms such as the body part appearing bent or experiencing pain, you should immediately visit a medical institution for diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment."

 

Sleeping in the Manse posture continuously because it feels comfortable can put strain on the neck to the lower back, potentially leading to musculoskeletal imbalance.

Tense muscles can press on nerves and cause numbness, so it is important to sleep in the correct posture. It is recommended to lie flat on your back with a pillow about 4-6 cm high for men and 3 cm for women, ensuring your body is in a straight line.

Stretch your arms and legs outward at a 45-degree angle from your body, keeping them straight, and place your palms facing the ceiling to prevent your shoulders from slumping.

If your lower back lifts or pain occurs when lying flat, roll up a towel and place it under your knees to reduce pressure on your lower back.

If you have a spinal condition, it is helpful to lie on your side and place a cushion between your legs to align the height of your legs and shoulders, thereby naturally correcting the spinal curvature.

 

However, since the recommended sleeping positions may vary slightly depending on the condition, it is safer to decide in consultation with medical professionals.

 

Copyright © Health Chosun.

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My child at home finds it easier to sleep after doing the 'manse' (cheering gesture).

Sometimes, when I sleep, I feel pressure from my neck to my waist, which causes muscle imbalance.

The child's spine is slightly curved, but not severely.

The reason why the Mansa posture feels comfortable despite the diagnosis

It was there.

If you have a spinal condition, lie on your side with your legs

Insert a cushion in between to match the height of the legs and shoulders.

It is good to sleep naturally with spinal curvature.

I do.