It is difficult to sleep well when you are suffering from sciatica, and it can get worse at night. You may be aware that the condition can cause leg pain, but it is not as obvious as you might think. You may experience shooting, tingling, or burning pain in your thigh or leg. The reason given by Pursuit Physical Therapy for this pain is caused by irritation of the spinal nerve roots. If you suffer from sciatica, you need to change your position often.
Your sleeping position can aggravate the condition. The incorrect posture can put extra pressure on your sciatic nerve, causing you to experience intense pain while you are sleeping. You should also avoid curled-up positions, as they can cause sciatica. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to sciatica because they place enormous pressure on the muscles in their lower back. To prevent further pain and inflammation, you should change your sleep position.
If you are suffering from sciatica, you should seek medical attention. While pain medication can help you sleep, rest is crucial to the recovery process. Propped-up knees will reduce the inward curve of the spine, relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve. Soft mattresses may also worsen the condition. The mattress should be firm and hard enough not to sink into the bed. If this is impossible, try placing plywood or other soft materials between the mattress and the box spring.
A good way to combat the pain caused by sciatica at night is to switch to a different sleeping position. It is important to sleep on your side to avoid flattening the spine and straining the neck. This may result in future back and neck problems. If you suffer from sciatica, you need to sleep on your side. Otherwise, you may end up sleeping on your stomach. That is not the best position for you.
There are also several ways to deal with sciatica at night. Try sleeping sideways or on your back. This will help to distribute weight evenly and relax your hip flexors. It will also help to keep the natural curve of your spine, minimizing pain in the affected side. Alternatively, try sleeping on your side or even on the floor. If you cannot afford to change positions, a good mattress with firm, springy foam will give you relief.
A good mattress can reduce the pain associated with sciatica. Ensure that it is medium-firm and supports the body evenly. If you can’t find a medium-firm mattress, try sleeping on a towel or yoga mat instead. While this might take some time, you may find it helpful. After a couple of nights of this, you can return to your regular bed with proper pillow support. The same applies to the pillow you use while sleeping.
Getting enough sleep is essential to managing sciatica symptoms. Proper rest, stretching exercises, and massages will help relieve the pain and inflammation surrounding the sciatic nerve. Proper rest and sleep can help you reduce the intensity and frequency of sciatica. For the long term, find the root cause of the pain and cure it for good. And don’t forget that healthy sleep habits can improve your overall health.
