We are at Dynamic Osteopaths in Solihull and Birmingham consistently treating patients with back pain and sciatica every single day. This post we would like to keep use basic advice on managing you back pain and sciatica.
If you have been suffering from back pain and sciatica, with aching pain in the legs, you will understand how this often affects a good nights sleep.
Sleeping advice with back pain or sciatica
1) Firstly find a firm surface that will provide support and comfort. Please remember that the level of firmness of the mattress cannot be totally advised as, this is a matter of personal preference, many people with back pain sciatica often perfer to sleep on a medium to firm mattress. A firm surface can provide support and promote spinal alignment.
2) Create a supportive reclining position using a two-piece wedge cushion. A two-piece wedge cushion offers a similar position to a reclining chair, but it can be used on the surface of your mattress. This can give you support by propping up your back and elevating your legs. Some people with back pain and sciatica like this position because it can take pressure off the irritated nerves in the lower back and may offer you enough relief to fall asleep. If a two-piece wedge cushion takes up too much space on your bed, stack two plump, dense pillows behind your shoulders and tuck a flat pillow or two underneath your knees and upper calves to elevate your legs. Sometimes it can also be a good idea to use additional pillows to keep you from rolling onto your side, which can sometimes exacerbate the back and sciatica pain.
With back pain and sciatica and there is no one position is good for all unfortunately. In which case, this may need a little bit of trial and error, and testing.
Whether it is an acute form of sciatica whereby the disc has prolapsed into the nerve root OR or degenerative sciatica whereby the holes that the nerve root come out off have become narrowed and compromised - taking the pressure off the nerve roots will inevitably help the leg pain and aid a better night sleep. Thus, In addition to pain relieving medication.
Here at Dynamic Osteopaths in Solihull and Birmingham we have specific back pains clinic’s offering specific patient treatment.
Get in touch to find out further advice on your back pain or sciatica, or if you would like to find out more and how we can help.
Dynamic Osteopaths
01564 330773