>Be sure to get plenty of sleep to allow your body to recuperate and repair.

>Sleep on a firm mattress to support your spine.

>Use the correct pillow! The ideal pillow is one which supports your head so that your neck vertebrae will be level with the rest of your spine. Avoid sleeping on two pillows!

>Sleep on your back or on your side with your legs flexed slightly. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. If on your side place a pillow between your knees to reduce pressure on your low back.

>Rise from your bed by turning on your side and swinging your legs off the bed, then push yourself into a sitting position with your arms. This minimizes the amount of strain on your back.

>Do not read or watch TV in bed with your head propped at a sharp or strained angle and never lie on a couch with your head on the arm rest.