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How Should I Sleep For Lower Back Pain

Things You Should Know About Sleep And Low Back Pain

Best Sleeping Positions for Lower Back Pain Recovery

It’s hard to sleep with any kind of pain. But in particular can make it very difficult to get a good night’s rest. That’s because your back is more sensitive to your positioning than other parts of the body, says HSS spine specialist .

“During the day, people are able to move around and reposition in ways that can help relieve back pain,” he explains. “At night, it’s hard to keep repositioning while also getting the restful sleep you need.”

But just because back pain is getting in the way of your slumber doesn’t mean you need to take it lying down. Dr. Griffin offers up five things to know that could help you get a more restorative night’s sleep, free from low back pain.

On The Back In A Reclined Chair Or Bed

This might help people with lower back pain, particularly those with isthmic spondylolisthesis, a condition in which one spinal vertebra slips over the vertebra right below.

If a person gets significant relief from resting in a reclined chair, it may be worth investing in an adjustable bed that can be positioned in the same way.

Finding Your Next Step

Which tips will you try this evening? Consider observing your breathing, meditating, and clearing your mind at various times throughout the day.

Releasing tension as we encounter it is beneficial for muscles, joints, and nerves. Do what you can to minimize the effects of stress and potential injury during your waking hours.

As evening approaches, be willing to let go of the day and focus on sleeping pain-free

Read Also: Can A Bed Frame Cause Back Pain

Avoid Sleeping On Your Stomach

If you suffer from sciatica, you should avoid sleeping on your stomach. Stomach sleeping is considered the worst sleeping position.

This unpleasant position flattens the spines natural curve, and when your head is tilted to one side, it strains the neck. Its better to avoid this position, even if it relieves sciatica so that you do not suffer future back or neck trouble.

In case you can only sleep on your stomach, place a small pillow under your abdomen. Those with degenerative disc disease will find this particularly helpful.

Back sleepers and stomach sleepers can be at greater risk of lower back pain. A possible cause of this is an increase in pressure in the small joints of your spine.

Treating Lower Back Pain: How Much Bed Rest Is Too Much

how should I sleep with lower back pain?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people visit a health care provider. The good news is that the pain often goes away on its own, and people usually recover in a week or two. Many people want to stay in bed when their back hurts. For many years, getting bed rest was the normal advice. But current studies recommend no bed rest at all and stress that staying in bed longer than 48 hours not only wont help but it may, in fact, actually delay your recovery. Heres why:

Staying in bed wont help you get better faster.If youre in terrible pain, lying down for a day to help ease the distress may seem like a good idea, but moderating your activities and staying active in a limited way is a more effective way to control your symptoms. Research suggests that if you can find comfortable positions and keep moving, you may not need bed rest at all.Research shows that:

  • Lying down longer than a day or two day isnt helpful for relieving back pain.
  • People can recover more quickly without any bed rest.
  • The sooner you start moving, even a little bit, or return to activities such as walking, the faster you are likely to improve.

Who needs bed rest?Almost no one! The only people who might require time in bed are those with unstable spinal fractures awaiting surgery.

When should I see a health care provider?You should see your health care provider right away if:

  • Heat or ice
  • Ultrasound
  • Manipulation

Check with your health care provider before starting an exercise program.

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Do Be Mindful Of How You Get In And Out Of Bed

Jerking yourself out of bed quickly or getting in too fast can exacerbate lower back pain, so make sure youre careful about doing each:

When getting into bed, first sit down near the place where you want to sleep. Then, using your hands as support, bend your knees and slowly lie down on your side. Take care to keep your torso straight.

When getting out of bed, you basically want to do the opposite. Roll onto your side first towards the edge of the bed, bend your knees, then use your arms to help push yourself up and swing your legs over the side. This will help you keep from bending at your waist, which can engage your back.

When To See A Doctor

Anyone with severe or worsening back pain, particularly after a fall or injury, should speak to a doctor. People should also speak to a doctor if they experience pain that gets worse after resting or at night.

People should seek immediate medical advice for back pain if it is accompanied by any of the following:

  • fever
  • numbness in the legs, buttocks, or groin area
  • difficulty passing urine

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The Best Sleep Position For Your Spine: On Your Back

Sleeping on your back is the best for putting your spine in a neutral alignment, but only 8% of people sleep in this pose.

A few strategically placed pillows can boost the benefits of back sleeping. A small pillow underneath your head and neck will help keep your spine straight. Adding a pillow under your knees will provide even more support and comfort, as it encourages your spine to maintain its natural curve.

Though back sleeping is the best for your spine, it has a few drawbacks:

  • Its not best for those with sleep apnea. Back sleeping may cause the tongue to block the breathing tube, so those with sleep apnea should not sleep on their backs. Instead, they should sleep on their side with legs straight.
  • Its not best for snorers. Back sleeping can worsen snoring. Those who snore should sleep on their side with legs straight.
  • Its not best for pregnant women. Pregnant women who sleep on their backs risk developing a myriad of health problems, from back pain to low blood pressure. Plus, the on-the-back position decreases blood circulation to the heart and the baby. The best sleep position during pregnancy is sleeping on the side with legs bent.
  • On The Side With A Pillow Between The Knees

    how should I sleep with lower back pain? | episode 6

    Lying on the side can be comfortable, but it can pull the spine out of alignment, straining the lower back.

    It can be easy to correct this issue by placing a firm pillow between the knees. This raises the upper leg, restoring the natural alignment of the hips, pelvis, and spine.

    To get comfortable in this position:

  • Get into bed and carefully roll to one side.
  • Use one pillow to support the head and neck.
  • Pull the knees up slightly, and place another pillow between them.
  • For extra support, fill any gaps between the body and mattress with more pillows, especially at the waist.
  • Anyone who usually moves from their side to their front may also want to try hugging a large pillow against their chest and stomach to help keep their back aligned.

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    Sudden Pain In The Lower Back

    The harmless back pains that result from intensive physical activity typically disappear after a day of good rest.

    You must contact the nearest emergency department if you have experienced sudden, extremely severe back pain without engaging in any physical activity. The pain in your back might indicate you have a problem with your back muscles or even your spinal cord.

    Does Laying On The Hard Floor Help Lower Back Pain

    Some people find laying on the floor supports their back and keeps their spine neutral, but this doesnt work for everyone. The floor is too solid for side sleepers, but it might be okay for some back and stomach sleepers. If youre planning on sleeping on the floor, still use pillows so your head and neck are supported.

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    Tips To Sleep With Back Pain

    Sleep is the best remedy for back pain. A good nights rest will make it easier for your body to recover naturally. If youre finding it difficult to sleep because of the pain in your lower back, there are a few things you can try, from changing your sleeping position to optimizing your relaxation before bedtime.

    No matter what you do, remember that alignment is key. When you sleep, you should focus on the alignment of your spine. You can do this by making sure your ears, shoulders and hips are lined up. If there are gaps between your body and the bed, use pillows to take away undue pressure. When you turn, keep your core tight. Twisting and turning can wrench your back.

    Try These Sleeping Positions

  • On your side with a pillow between your knees: Either lying on your left or right side, allow that entire side of your body to make contact with the mattress along with your shoulder. Place a pillow between your knees. This helps keep your hips, pelvis and spine in alignment. And if theres a large gap between your waist and the mattress, place a small pillow there as well. Be sure to switch sides occasionally to prevent muscle imbalance.
  • In the fetal position: Lie on your side. Gently tuck your knees toward your chest and curl your torso around them. This position opens the space between your vertebrae.
  • Make a Sleep Schedule: Regulating your sleep habits both when you go to bed and when you wake up will help your body fall into natural sleep patterns.
    • A warm bath

    Walts Feet Are Not On The Mattress

    6 Negative Effects A Bad Mattress Can Have On Your Health ...

    Now look carefully: Walts feet are like hanging out of the mattress. I have no proof, but I believe this is what makes the difference.I tried this after spending some time on a massage table you know, with your feet hanging out of the table?

    Its much more confortable because with the feet like this, Walt feels more pressure on his knees and thats ok, because his knees are fine and the mattress makes it ok.

    More pressure on the knees meansless pressure on the back.

    Less pressure on the back means back pain relief and better sleep.

    Its just mechanics.

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    Should I Sleep On The Floor For Lower Back Pain

    Some people say it helps their back pain, while others simply find it more comfortable. The popularity of minimalist living has also inspired people to get rid of their beds and sleep on the floor. To date, there aren’t any researched benefits of sleeping on the floor.

    For some people, sleeping on their back may be the best position to relieve back pain: Lay flat on your back. Place a pillow underneath your knees and keep your spine neutral. The pillow is important it works to keep that curve in your lower back.

    Loss Of Bladder Control

    If you also experience bowel or urinary incontinence, in which you lose control of your bladder and bowels, you should seek medical attention at the emergency room as soon as possible for treatment.

    These symptoms characterize Cauda equine syndrome. Serious compression of the nerve sac in the lower back creates this syndrome.

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    Best Way To Sleep With Herniated Disc & Lower Back Pain: Bottom Line

    14 years ago, I was diagnosed with herniated discs and degenerative discs disease: trust me, I know what severe back pain means.If you cant sleep at night because of the constant pain in your back, try this setup.

    You dont need to buy expensive stuff: maybe you can achieve the same results with your regular mattress and some cheap garden beds mattresses to test it out.

    Also, dont test it for the whole night the first time: just try lying in bed an hour or two, and feel if it makes a difference before you spend the entire night.

    Finally: remember you will be modifying the so-called natural curve of the spine, so make sure you have the right pillow. Do not create a second problem while trying to fix the first one.

    If it doesnt work, its just too bad: do not insist, do not try to fight the pain.

    But if it does work, come back to this page, share it, and let us know..alignright

    The Worst Sleep Position: On Your Stomach

    How To Sleep To Avoid Back And Neck Pain

    Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for your spine, according to Raymond J. Hah, MD, a spine surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC and assistant professor of clinical orthopaedic surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. This position puts the most pressure on your spines muscles and joints because it flattens the natural curve of your spine, he says. Sleeping on your stomach also forces you to turn your neck, which can cause neck and upper back pain.

    Research shows that theres a correlation between pain and sleep, so it makes sense to incorporate simple changes in your sleep style that alleviate back pain and less pain means better sleep.

    Do you have back pain? The experts at the USC Spine Center can help. Schedule an appointment or call USC-CARE .

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    When Should You See A Doctor About Lower Back Pain

    Back pain is common and often recedes quickly, but its important to talk with a doctor if:

    • The pain began with a specific injury
    • Pain continues or worsens for more than a few days
    • Pain is debilitating
    • Pain radiates to the legs or other parts of the body
    • You experience weakness or numbness in your lower body
    • There are signs of infection like redness, warmth, swelling, or fever
    • You have a personal history of cancer
    • You have other unexplained health changes like weight loss or urinary problems

    A doctor can review your symptoms and determine the appropriate next steps for testing, diagnosis, and treatment.

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    Chronic Lower Back Pain

    Chronic Lower Back Pain: This long-term type of lower back pain tends to persist for over 12 weeks. Around 20% of acute lower back pain cases develop into chronic pain.

    Despite the prevalence of lower back pain, its exact cause is unknown. Experts suggest that more than one event causes existing lower back pain. Heavy lifting and arthritis are some causes linked to chronic back pain.

    Recommended Reading: How To Relieve Intense Lower Back Pain

    On The Front With The Face Down

    Sleeping on the front is generally unhealthy when a person turns their head to the side, twisting the spine and placing additional stress on the neck, shoulders, and back.

    To avoid this, try lying face down. To do so comfortably:

  • Get into bed and carefully roll onto the stomach.
  • Place a slim pillow beneath the abdomen and hips.
  • Position a pillow or a rolled-up towel under the forehead to create enough breathing space between the mouth and mattress.
  • What Are Good Exercises For Lower Back Pain

    Best Way to Sleep With Neck Pain

    Situps and leg lifts, which can put a lot of pressure on the lower back and may cause unnecessary straining if you lack adequate core strength. Excessive bending like toe touches, which can place undue strain on the back. Exercises that require forward flexion for long periods of time, such as cycling.

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    Where To Start

    It is no secret that exercise, food, and rest each have a balance that is required for general health. Creating an environment in which you can relax is imperative for minimizing tension. So, how can you do this if your body is in pain?

    If a back injury has been sustained, the first step is to ensure that the source of the pain has been eliminated or is under review. If you are aware of an injury, it is best to ensure that proper care is received for the best chance of a timely and effective recovery.

    If you are uncertain what may have caused the pain, speak with a medical professional to determine what may be needed for recovery.

    What Can I Do

    Do you deal with lower back pain? Youre not alone.

    The Global Burden of Disease study named lower back pain the leading cause of disability across the globe.

    Whats even more interesting is that most back pain isnt caused by serious medical conditions, like cancer or arthritis. Instead, its often brought on by stress or strain from bad posture, awkward sleeping positions, and other lifestyle habits.

    Here are the best sleeping positions to try if you have lower back pain, as well as some other things you can do to get a better nights rest.

    If lying flat on your back feels uncomfortable, try shifting over to your side:

  • Allow your right or left shoulder to make contact with the mattress, along with the rest of that side of your body.
  • Place a pillow between your knees.
  • If theres a gap between your waist and the mattress, consider using a small pillow there for added support.
  • Whether you use one pillow or opt for two, you should resist the urge to always sleep on the same side. Doing so many cause issues like muscle imbalance and even scoliosis.

    How does this position help? Sleeping on your side alone wont make you feel better. Its using the pillow between your knees thats the trick. The pillow will keep your hips, pelvis, and spine in better alignment.

    If you have a herniated disc, you may want to try sleeping on your side curled in a fetal position:

  • Lay on your back and then roll over gently onto your side.
  • Lay flat on your back.
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