If you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc, you might be wondering how to sleep. You can sleep in several positions, including the fetal position and the side-lying position. You should also avoid sleeping on a waterbed. For optimal support, place a pillow under your knees and abdomen. If you can’t tolerate these positions, try sitting in a chair.
Positions to sleep
The best positions to sleep with herniated disc are those that allow the spine to maintain its natural curve. These positions are best for thoracic herniated discs because they give your core muscles a chance to rest. Avoid sleeping on your back or stomach because this position may cause more damage than good to your spine. However, if you have trouble sleeping on your side, you may find it easier to change your habit.
The fetal position is another great choice for people with herniated discs. This position involves rolling gently to one side while sleeping. Although the National Sleep Foundation recommends sleeping on your back, it can also cause unnecessary stress on your neck and lower back. To make the sleeping position more comfortable for your back, consider using a cervical pillow. Another option is to purchase a flatter pillow to pad your head.
There are a few other positions to sleep with herniated disc that can help you get a good night’s sleep. The position should support your body weight evenly. When the disc is compressed, it can cause a lot of pressure on the nerves. Using the side position while you’re sleeping can help ease the pressure on the disc. You’ll also be sleeping on your side, allowing your shoulders and rest of the body to rest on the mattress.
Avoiding waterbeds
The first step in choosing a new bed for a person with back pain is to try one on before purchasing. A mattress isn’t worth the cost of a trial run if you don’t feel comfortable with it. Waterbeds are popular but they can be difficult to move around if you are suffering from back pain. Additionally, they are very heavy. People who suffer from back pain should be careful when they buy a waterbed as these beds tend to be the least firm available.
If you’re a person with herniated disc and are in need of a more supportive bed, consider using a traditional innerspring mattress. Innerspring mattresses tend to be firm but may sag over time. Adding a memory foam mattress topper may help restore your innerspring mattress to a more comfortable level. Although waterbeds have been used to help people with back pain for decades, they have fallen out of favor again. They are bulky and require more maintenance than conventional mattresses and can leak. However, if you have a herniated disc or a chronic pain condition, a waterbed can be a good choice for you.
If you have a herniated disc, you should avoid sleeping on your stomach. This position is known to be the most painful. You should sleep in a fetal position, tucking your knees into your chest. This will help reduce pressure points on the spine and keep the natural curve of your lower back intact. For more support and better sleep, you should consider a medium-firm mattress.
Fetal position
The fetal position is a popular choice for people with herniated discs, as it provides maximum spinal support and reduces spinal bending. The position also increases the opening of the joints and is ideal for reducing the pain caused by a herniated disc. To get the best results, however, you must follow a few guidelines to ensure that you sleep in a comfortable position with your herniated disc.
First of all, remember that the fetal position should be a last resort for people with herniated disc. It is important that you use the correct pillow to keep your spine in alignment. If you are sleeping on your side, make sure you don’t bend your head too far toward your knees, as this can cause further discomfort. You may also want to position your legs so that you don’t bend your back. Then, if you are sleeping on your back, you can put a foam or rolled up towel under your lower back.
While the fetal position is a popular choice, it can be hard on the back and hips. In addition, sleeping in this position can also be tough on the joints if you suffer from arthritis. To avoid this problem, try sleeping in a position that stretches your body, especially your lower back. Avoid curling your wrists. You can use wrist splints or place a pillow between your legs to reduce hip pain.
Sitting in a chair
While sleeping in a chair may be comfortable, sleeping on your back with a herniated disc can make the condition worse. Your spine is at risk of developing spinal stenosis, which can result in pain. Even a simple bulge in a disc can cause pain. A wooden back support board can help alleviate pressure on spinal discs while sitting. A wooden back support board can also help you avoid back pain while driving.
A herniated disc often causes pain in the night, which disrupts sleep patterns and can lead to health problems later on. For example, sleeping on your side can reduce pain because your shoulder and lower back are in contact with the mattress. Also, a pillow under your knees can help distribute your body’s weight more evenly. And a pillow under your knees can help keep your spine’s natural curve.
The position of the seat is important, too. When sitting, try not to lean to one side. This can lead to uneven weight distribution and pain from herniated disc. Try to avoid sitting in one position while sleeping if you can. Sitting in a chair is a good way to get rest. A few adjustments to your chair can help ease your pain. If you can’t get a comfortable position, you can try using a cushion or rolled towels.
Pillow height
In the present study, the optimal pillow height was determined by assessing the differences in the cervical spine curvature and the forces exerted on the head and neck during sleep. The pillow height should meet the anthropometric parameters of the head and neck while ensuring adequate support. It should be chosen so that it does not exceed the body’s stress tolerance threshold. The pillow height also influences the electromyographic activity of the shoulder and neck muscles. Low electromyographic activity indicates an optimal pillow height.
A proper pillow height for patients with cervical disc herniation should be about two to three inches above the bed surface. If the pillow is too high, the neck will crane forward and create a stress position for the herniated disc. Keeping the head at a slightly higher height will allow the natural S-curve of the spine. While many studies disagree on the best pillow height for herniated disc patients, they all agree that a pillow two to three inches high will help prevent a cervical disc herniation.
In addition to providing support for the neck, a pillow’s height must match the individual’s body dimensions. Huang and Alice measured the head girth, the height of the shoulder, and the distance from the external occipital protuberance to the C7 vertebra. These measurements were performed using anthropometric measuring instruments like a ruler and a stature gauge. This article summarizes the results of the research and suggests which heights are the most comfortable.
Sitting on the front of your body
The best position to sleep in while having a herniated disc is on your back. By doing so, you keep your spine in a neutral position and lessen the risk of pinching a nerve. You can place a small pillow under your knees or a rolled-up towel under your lower back. Another great option is a wedge-shaped pillow.
Another common position to sleep in when you have a herniated disc is on your side. While this will not relieve your pain, it will prevent the symptoms from worsening. When you sleep on your side, it is best to place a pillow between your knees and hips. It will also keep your spine in a better alignment and prevent the disc from pushing back into your spinal canal. To do this, you should also try rolling onto one side. If you have a herniated disc, you can also try sleeping in the fetal position, where you can roll your body to one side while keeping your knees and hips open.
Another common way to alleviate back pain after a herniated disc is to avoid sitting in certain positions. Some positions can put too much pressure on the nerve, which causes muscle weakness. Using pillows can help your disc heal faster, but you must avoid sitting on the front of your body while sleeping. As much as possible, avoid sleeping on the front of your body. In addition, if you’re suffering from a herniated disc, you’ll be able to get a better night’s sleep.