Poor sleep is one of the more significant health epidemics facing us in the United States. More than 30% of adults report sleeping less than 6 hours per night. Six hours is nowhere near enough. There are many possible contributors to sleeping difficulties: noise and light pollution, too much screen time, a sedentary lifestyle, work and family stress, obesity and overweight, erratic work hours, exposure to environmental chemicals that mimic hormones, and many more.

Whatever the cause of poor sleep, it makes low back pain problems (and all pain problems for that matter) worse. And it makes your chances of recovery from back pain significantly lower. That’s the conclusion drawn by researchers at the Public Health and Nursing Department of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

In my practice, I use a diverse treatment approach for those challenged by low back pain. One particular method I use, NeuroTactile® Therapy, helps to balance the autonomic nerves that control the general level of arousal. That’s often proved to be helpful for those with sleep problems.

In addition, I offer an in-depth functional medicine analysis that can pinpoint the underlying causes of chronic pain and poor sleep. Depending on the individual, I might suggest tests of your 24-hour cycles of cortisol, a major stress hormone, or of other hormones or neurotransmitters. I also offer custom blends of herbal tinctures that can alleviate the effects of stress and enhance sleep.

Complex problems, such as back pain combined with sleep difficulties, require innovative solutions. My practice is dedicated to addressing the multiplicity of factors impacting your health.