Sleeping With Spinal Stenosis, Sciatica Pain and Disc Herniation

spinal stenosis

Sleeping on your side (side sleeping) is the recommended position for proper spine alignment.  Coincidentally, sleeping in this position can lead to other problems, especially given lower back pain and discomfort related to sciatica, herniated discs, and other sciatic nerve irritations.

When sleeping on your side, typically the upper leg will drift during sleep, moving forward and when unsupported by the lower leg, roll forward and down.  In order to accomplish this position, the pelvis must rotate in a twisting motion.  This twist places strain and stressors on the spine sacroiliac joint.  The twists affect the lower vertebrae and discs.  It not surprising that this can create pain and discomfort in the lower lumbar area (lower back) and the thoracic area of the back (middle back).  The muscles in your back tighten when stressed like this, and stretch the spinal ligaments. 

Lower back problems such as sciatica and sciatic nerve pain, especially from herniated discs and/or spinal stenosis, can be greatly aggravated.  The objective is to maintain proper positioning while in the side sleeper position.  This can be accomplished by placing a leg pillow or cushion between the mid-thigh to knee region, to encourage maintenance of the recommended position throughout the night.  Picture the proper alignment of your legs with your spine.  The spine is on a horizontal plane when both legs are extended symmetrically from the body.  The support pillow should maintain the proper height and spacing of the legs, but also ensure the legs stay put and do not drift forward, creating the unwanted "twisting" stressors.

This usually causes pain in the lower back or pain that radiates through the buttocks and down into the legs.  This can also produce an intermittent shooting pain.   Sciatic pain may extend all the way to the feet, often dependent on corresponding nerves in the spinal column.  Interestingly,  sciatic pain usually affects only one side of the body at a time. 

Sciatica related symptoms and sciatic nerve pain may include:

1.    Pain in the buttocks or back of your leg, This pain can become worse after sitting.

2.    Can produce a burning sensation down the leg

3.    Can produce a Weakness and/or numbness in your leg or foot.

4.    May include a constant, persistent pain on one side of legs or buttocks

5.    Sometimes, a shooting pain making it difficult to stand.

Sciatica refers to symptoms of lower back conditions including herniated discs and spinal stenosis.  This pain is connected to an irritation of the sciatic nerve, the largest in the human body, which runs down the upper and lower back down into both legs.  It is the stress on the sciatic nerve which is the underlying root cause of sciatica.

Give this simple solution a try.  Many lower back and leg related discomfort is shorter term and can be effectively improved with proper care and treatment, and a little time. As always, consult a physician for proper medical treatment of all serious and longer term conditions.