How to Sleep With Lower Back Pain and Sciatica

how to sleep with lower back pain and sciatica

Dealing with lower back pain or sciatica can make it challenging to enjoy a good night’s sleep. The constant discomfort and stiffness can disrupt your rest, leaving you tired and irritable during the day.  

However, there’s hope! Despite these challenges, there are effective strategies you can implement to alleviate pain and improve the quality of your sleep. 

In this blog, we’ll help you learn how to sleep with lower back pain and sciatica

What is Sciatica Pain?

Sciatica pain is the discomfort that travels along the sciatic nerve path, which is the longest and thickest nerve in the human body. 

Originating from the lower back, this nerve extends through the hips and buttocks, continuing down each leg. This type of pain typically affects only one side of the body. 

Sciatica pain is often characterized by symptoms such as: 

  • Sharp, shooting pain from the lower back down the back of the leg 
  • Muscle weakness in one or both legs or feet 
  • Burning or tingling down the leg, typically intensifying during and after physical activity 
  • Numbness experienced in one or both legs 

How to Sleep with Lower Back Pain and Sciatica?

Best lower back pain and sciatica sleeping positions:

On Your Back: Place a pillow beneath your knees to help them bend and naturally support your back. 

On Your Side: Place a pillow between your knees to maintain alignment between your spine and neck, preventing it from curving into the mattress. 

In the Fetal Position: If you normally sleep on your stomach and suffer from back pain, the fetal position may relieve pressure on your lower back.

sciatica sleeping positions

Elevated Reclined: A reclined position can help reduce pressure on the nerves if you have an adjustable bed. 

Worst lower back pain and sciatica sleeping positions:

On Your Stomach: Many people with sciatica experience discomfort while sleeping on their stomach, and puts pressure on both joints and muscles.

On Your Back Without Support: Lying flat on your back can increase pain if you have nothing to support your knees. Sciatica pain can worsen if your mattress does not provide enough support.

In a Twisted Position: A twisted position during sleep can put additional pressure on your sciatica nerve. 

 

How to Help Manage Lower Back and Sciatica Pain While Sleeping?

  • Opt for a medium to firm mattress instead of soft ones as it offers better support to the back, hips, shoulders, and knees. 

 

  • Consider using a body pillow to prevent rolling from the side to the stomach during sleep. 

 

  • Add a little stretching or yoga to your pre-bed routine. 

 

  • Take a warm bath before bedtime. 

What to Do When Lower Back and Sciatica Pain Doesn't Resolve?

When pain doesn’t resolve, you should consult a spine specialist in Dubai –  Dr. Martin Liner. He will help alleviate pain, address the underlying cause, and improve overall function. 

He might suggest: 

Pain Medication:  

Dr. Martin might recommend over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate discomfort and pain. 

Steroid Injections: 

Dr. Martin might recommend you steroid injections. This medicine helps with inflammation around the nerve, which can help reduce pain for some people. However, it is a temporary solution as the effects usually last a few days up to a few months. 

Surgery: 

If conservative approaches prove ineffective, surgery may be considered. It may include: 

  • Discectomy to remove fragments or small sections of a herniated disk pressing on a nerve. 
  • Laminectomy to remove some bone from your lower spine. 
  • Fusion to stabilize instable spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra). 

Consult Dr. Martin Liner for Sciatica Pain Treatment in Dubai

Dr. Martin Liner, a leading sciatica specialist in Dubai with over two decades of extensive experience in the field, is at the forefront. Dr. Martin is recognized for his expertise and is dedicated to providing top-notch care in diagnosing and treating sciatica pain. 

Don’t let sciatica dictate your quality of life. Take charge of your health and well-being by contacting Dr. Martin Liner for sciatica pain treatment in Dubai. 

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