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Interview with physiotherapist Karin Timmermans

REST FOR YOUR NECK AND BACK

ON THE PERSONALISED MATTRESS OF YUNO

Do you regularly wake up with neck or back pain? Very annoying. Kinesiologist Karin Timmermans works every day with
back patients. She explains how we can give our back and neck the rest they deserve.

Karin: “If you look at our spinal column in profile, you see an elongated S-curve. With normal use of the back, the pressure on your spine is nicely distributed. If we strain our backs incorrectly, certain points come under great pressure. Then the risk of injuries increases significantly. If you come here with back problems, we will take a close look at the way you strain your back: how you bend over, sit, lie down, stand,… And we start with adapted exercises to restore your natural muscle corset around the spine. The exercises promote blood circulation and strengthen the abdominal and back muscles. That way, your back will become strong and resilient again.”

Sleeping without backache 

“If your mattress does not support you properly, sleeping with backache is anything but pleasant.  Your muscles tense up, there is pressure, and that causes pain. The circulation of your tissues and your intervertebral discs is impaired. Your back cannot recuperate like that. That is why it is so It is important that your   mattress is adapted to your body type. 

When it supports your spine correctly, you can relax optimally while you sleep. It is better that your mattress provides this support, rather than your slatted frame. Your back makes first contact with the mattress.”

How do you lie in your bed?

Karin: “In the supine or lateral position, your back is correctly supported with the right mattress. In the lateral position, your spine must form a straight, horizontal line. So sleeping in a ball is not a good thing. Neither is sleeping on your stomach or with a raised knee. Those twists of your spine do your back and cervical vertebrae no favours.”

Sufficient space in bed

“Do you have enough room to move around in your bed?”, Karin asks. “As you know, we change our posture dozens of times during the night. This is great for pressure distribution and hydration of your intervertebral discs. So if you lie in a bed that is too small, you cannot move optimally.”

Lying comfortably 

“Your comfort also plays a part. Maybe you have a good slatted frame. You only experience the effect if you put a thin mattress on top. But if it is not comfortable, you will not sleep well. You’re better off with a thicker mattress that is adapted to your body.” 

Sleeping environment 

“A final factor in allowing your muscles to recover properly is good moisture management,” says Karin. “If you are too hot in bed, you will sweat and cool down. That’s not ideal for your muscles. For good moisture drainage, pay attention to the material of your mattress and bedding.” 

Pillow or no pillow? 

“Sleeping without a pillow is not an option. We want your head and neck to be in line with the rest of your spine. A good pillow gives your neck the necessary support. With enough room for your shoulders and head.”

“Sleeping relaxed is easier if your spine is supported correctly.”

Physiotherapist Karin Timmermans inspirer of the Mastercare back centre in Wuustwezel www.mastercare-rugcentrum.be

This interview was conducted by OZ Shop, distributor of the YUNO range:  https://www.oz.be/gezondheid/oz-shop

OZ Shop Wilrijk 

OZ Shop Brugge

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