Rupture of a vertebral disc occurs when the outer covering of the disc tears. The pain starts from the spine, which is made up of numerous nerve endings, and spreads to the back and legs. Some people even suffer from bowel and bladder problems. Since rest is critical to the healing process, learn to sleep peacefully despite a ruptured disc.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Elevation
Step 1. Lift your knees while you sleep
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Put your legs on two soft pillows making sure to place them under the knee joints. Lifting the knees removes pressure from the lower back and spine.
Sleep with a Ruptured Disc Step 4
Step 2. Lift your bed
Place pillows under your head and under your lower back to be comfortable and to lift your body.
- Try to lie down in an almost sitting position. In this way, the pain in the legs will be relieved.
- Put the bed covers under the body to lift it slightly.
- When the pain is very intense, sleep almost in a sitting position.
Method 2 of 3: Temperature
Step 1. Use hot and cold packs 30 minutes before bedtime
To relieve pain and inflammation, use magnetic or electric heating pads. Instead, use a cold pack, such as an ice pack, to relieve swelling.
Step 2. Lie down in bed
Put hot and cold packs on your back and broken disc. Alternate the hot pack with the cold one every 6 minutes for a total of 30 minutes. For the first 6 minutes, use the hot pack, followed by the cold one.
Step 3. Try to cool down the area 30 minutes before going to sleep
Take your medications at the same time.
Method 3 of 3: Align the Spine
Step 1. Get a soft pillow
Put it between your thighs.
Step 2. Turn sideways
Lie down gently.
Step 3. Sleep on your side
This position helps align the spine, relieving pressure from the lower back and disc.
Advice
- Sleeping in one of the positions just explained removes the pressure from your back, relieving pain and promoting healing.
- If you feel tingling and pain in your legs, it is advisable to rest for at least a day or two to encourage improvement.
- Avoid sleeping on your back immediately after a disc rupture for at least two days to avoid interfering with the healing process.
- Line your knees with your shoulders when you get out of bed to reduce the pangs of pain.
Warnings
- Don't lie on your back unless you put a pillow under your knees to prevent the condition from worsening. In fact, if the back is not aligned, it will be subjected to more pressure causing more pain.
- Avoid strenuous activities and, if possible, contact a chiropractor or medical specialist to evaluate the best treatment.
