How To Sit and Sleep If You Have a Herniated Disc
If you’re suffering from a herniated disc, going about your everyday life can be extremely painful. Here are some tips about- how to sit and sleep if you have a herniated disc to help you get relief:
If you’ve been told you have a herniated disc, your first questions will more likely be regarding pain management and reduction. Even things that were once simple Joys, like sitting down or getting solid sleep, may now feel impossible. Because- you sit, walk, stand or even you change sides while lying down. Your herniated disc keeps on reminding you about the compression on the nerves.
A herniated disc can be quite painful and disruptive to your life, but it is a very common orthopedic injury. It occurs when one of the discs in your spine, which are filled with gel and act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, ruptures or slips out of place. When this happens, the damaged disc can irritate nearby nerves and cause significant discomfort.
Fortunately, nine times out of ten, herniated discs respond well to Ayurvedic treatment and pain medication. In the majority of cases, surgery is not needed for a full recovery. As part of your healing process, your physical therapist will teach you how to sit and sleep in positions that will minimize discomfort.
How to Sit and Sleep With a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc can occur at any level of the spine, from top to bottom. Most often, it is caused by aging or something small, such as a forceful sneeze. If the herniated disc doesn’t touch a nerve root, you won’t experience symptoms.
A herniated disc can cause radiating pain in the buttocks, legs, and feet. Tingling, numbness, and weakness may also be experienced.
When you’re trying to sleep but in pain, it can feel unbearable. Your spine is misaligned and putting pressure on your back, however, if you take the time to position yourself correctly with alignment in mind, the pain will be much more manageable. You should always consult with your Ayurvedic Physician, treating you for your slip disc about how best to align your spine while sitting or sleeping for personalized tips; here are some general tips as well.
Also Read – Is Ayurveda Good for Slip Disc or Disc Bulge
Sitting with Herniated Disc
Chairs are our enemy or friend- hard to judge. But when your disc herniates, the chair certainly becomes an enemy.
If you have a herniated disc, it’s better to not sit for long periods of time. A standing desk prevents this pressure on your spine, but if you must sit, do follow the following:
- Make sure to rest your spine against the chair back (so there is no extra strain),
- By sitting up straight and avoiding slouching, you can maintain good posture.
- Your knees should be at hip level or slightly higher when you are sitting down at a desk.
- The ideal height for your chair is one that lets you keep both feet flat on the floor.
- For extra support, try wedging a rolled-up towel or small pillow between the chair and your lower back. This also works when you’re in your car. But don’t put anything under your bums.
- To keep from feeling pain, get up and walk around for a few minutes every 20-30 minutes to stretch your muscles.
How To Sleep with Herniated disc in the Spine
A good night’s sleep is key, but often difficult to come by when you’re dealing with back pain. The good news is that there are positions you can sleep in that will minimize discomfort.
- Sleeping on your stomach puts undue strain and pressure on your back and neck by forcing them both into an uncomfortable position.
- When you are habitual to sleeping on your stomach, put a pillow under your hips and knees. This helps to relieve pressure on the herniated disc. It also maintains the proper curvature of your spine. Loss of Lordosis can be avoided by doing so.
- Sleeping on your stomach is not ideal, and there are other positions such as sleeping on your side or back that are better.
- If you tend to sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to reduce tension in the hips. Another option is elevating your legs with a pillow.
- To ease pressure on your hips as you side-sleep, place a rolled towel between your waist and the mattress. Also, be sure to sleep on the side where you don’t currently feel any pain.
The best way to sleep if you have a herniated disc is on your back. This allows your spine to stay in a straight position and lessens the likelihood of squeezing the nerve.
For extra comfort, place a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your knees and lower back. A wedge-shaped pillow that raises your legs and ankles may also reduce the pressure on the herniated disc.
Follow these- how to sit and sleep if you have a herniated disc and re-live your life.
Get an Ayurvedic Cure for Slip Disc
If you’re in pain and would like a permanent solution, Vaidya Dr. Pardeep Sharma of Sukhayu Ayurved can help you. At Sukhayu Ayurved Hospital, we will help you figure out what is causing your pain and then provide the appropriate treatment to reduce your discomfort. To get started on your journey to improved health, contact us today at Sukhayu Ayurved for a consultation.