Office worker A began to fall asleep in the "manse" position, with arms raised above the head. Even when lying in a proper posture, sleep would not come unless in the manse position, or the arms would unconsciously rise above the head during sleep.
After long hours of working in front of a computer, A thought that the muscles in the neck or shoulders were tense or that fatigue was the cause. However, upon waking, there was stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and sometimes pain appeared in the upper back. After visiting a nearby hospital, A was diagnosed with "thoracic kyphosis."
The spine, which is the pillar of our body, appears straight when viewed from behind, but from the side, it forms two curves overall. The thoracic region, which extends from the shoulders to the lower part of the rib cage, normally has a backward curve (kyphosis) of 20 to 45 degrees. If this curve exceeds 45 degrees due to various causes, it is diagnosed as "thoracic kyphosis."
Thoracic kyphosis most commonly occurs due to poor posture, but can also be caused by congenital factors, aging, ankylosing spondylitis, trauma, and other reasons.
The most prominent symptom is a visible kyphotic deformity, such as a "hunched back" or a "protruding back." Pain may also appear in the thoracic or lumbar spine, and depending on the cause, severe kyphosis can lead to lower body paralysis, so caution is needed. Treatment is determined by diagnosis and may include ▲posture correction ▲physical therapy ▲bracing ▲medication ▲surgery, etc.
Jung Dongmun, Director of Medical Services at Daedong Hospital (neurosurgeon and head of the Spine Center), said, "When lying down with arms raised, it is normal to feel discomfort as the shoulders lift and the muscles between the neck and shoulders shorten. However, in cases of thoracic kyphosis, temporarily straightening the back in this position may feel refreshing and comfortable." He added, "For students who study for long hours and modern people who use computers or smartphones daily, poor posture can lead to body imbalance. If you notice abnormal symptoms such as a hunched appearance or pain, you should visit a medical institution for diagnosis and appropriate treatment."
If the manse position is maintained for a long period because it feels comfortable, it can place a burden on the neck and lower back during sleep, leading to musculoskeletal imbalance. Tensed muscles may compress nerves, causing numbness, so it is important to sleep in the correct posture.
For adults, it is recommended to use a pillow with a height of 4-6 cm for men and 3 cm for women, lie on your back facing the ceiling so that the body is straight. Stretch the arms and legs at a 45-degree angle, and keep the palms facing the ceiling to prevent the shoulders from rolling inward.
If your lower back lifts off the bed or you experience pain while lying on your back, it is helpful to roll a towel and place it under your knees to reduce pressure on the lower back. For those with spinal disorders, it is better to lie on your side with a cushion between the legs to align the height of the legs and shoulders, allowing the spine to curve naturally.
Since recommendations may vary depending on the condition, it is best to consult with medical professionals to determine the most suitable sleeping posture.
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