Jan 19, 2022

How to Sleep With Lower Back Pain and Sciatica

There’s nothing like getting a good night’s sleep. However, a restful night can be next to impossible if you suffer from back pain. Conditions such as lower back pain and sciatica can make it hard for you to get comfortable.

Instead of taking medications, changing up your sleep position can alleviate the pain and keep your spine healthy. Tired of tossing and turning and living in pain all night? Here’s how to sleep with lower back pain and sciatica. See how pain relief products from NeuroMD can help.

How Your Sleep Position Can Cause More Pain

If you want to relieve sciatica pain while sleeping, the first step is to figure out which sleep positions are causing you more back pain. Believe it or not, sleeping on your stomach is likely to cause you the most back pain. That’s because this position flattens the curve of your spine and puts the most pressure on your spine’s muscles and joints. Plus, when you sleep on your stomach, you have to turn your neck, which can cause pain in the upper back and neck.

Sleep Positions That Help With Lower Back Pain and Sciatica

The good news is that if you want to sleep with lower back pain and sciatica, there are a couple sleep positions that can help.

Side. If you sleep on your side, sleep on the side that doesn’t hurt. Placing a pillow between your knees can keep your legs from rotating and causing more pain. You can also try curling up in a fetal position, but for some people, this causes even more pain.

Back. If you prefer to sleep on your back, elevating your knees, with a pillow underneath, can be helpful.

There are also a few adjustments you may need to make to your bed. For example, you want a mattress that’s not too hard and not too soft. The mattress should have proper cushioning and support; otherwise, your pain could get worse. Many people find relief by sleeping on the floor, so this might be an option as well.

Pre-Bedtime Rituals for Back Pain

Lying down can increase pressure on your irritated nerve, so it can be hard to figure out how to sleep with sciatic back pain. If your sciatica or back pain tends to get worse at night, developing a bedtime ritual can help. Try these tips:

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

Avoid coffee and other stimulants several hours before bedtime.

Take a warm bath

Listen to soothing music

Do gentle exercises or stretches

A massage is an effective way to alleviate back pain, as it can promote blood circulation. It can also reduce tension in muscles and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. For gentle electrical stimulation, consider the NeuroMD Corrective Therapy Device.

Contact Us Today

Now that you know how to relieve sciatica pain while sleeping, you no longer have to stay awake all night in pain. If you found this article helpful, browse through our other articles on NeuroMD. Contact us for more information about NeuroMD products.

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