I’ve always read and been told that sleeping on your stomach is bad for your spine and neck but after a workout or long day at work, I find that laying on my stomach for an hour or so while I read or scroll on my phone makes my back feel so much better. Am I doing more long-term harm than good with this? Why does it feel so good on my back but is bad for it? Is it just not recommended for long periods of time but beneficial for shorter periods?
If it feels good you’re fine. It felt freaking awesome when I was recovering from a herniated disc as prescribed by a physiotherapist. Lying that way is at least as effective as “decompression” from a chiroquacker. I can’t imagine why it would be harmful.
If you’re scrolling and your neck isn’t supported your neck muscles will not thank you.
Do my hands count as support?
Sure.