How to Find the Right Pillow for Your Sciatica
By Sara Butler
The chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic treat many patients for problems with their sciatic nerve. After all, it’s the biggest nerve in the body, running from your lower back to your toes. If something goes wrong somewhere along its pathway, it can make for immense amounts of pain and discomfort -- and it can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Here are some tips from the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic to help you find the right pillow to help ease your sciatic pain and get you off to the land of Nod.
Take Stock
Before you go out to buy a new pillow, first take stock of your mattress. Comfort is a subjective experience, but it’s important to make sure that your bed is offering proper support to you as you sleep at night. Many people who suffer from sciatic pain opt for a medium-firm to a firm sleeping surface. Whatever you sleep on, make sure it’s providing proper support.
Recline
Many people with sciatica find it helps to be in a slightly reclined position as they sleep. This helps to take the pressure off the nerve roots in the lower back and may help to offer some relief. You can achieve this position by using a two-piece wedge cushion on top of your mattress. These cushions are specially designed to elevate your head and your legs.
You can also create a set up with two plump pillows behind your back and a couple of flat pillows under your knees. This is the budget-friendly version of the wedge you can try to see if it helps before investing more money.
Utilize the Pillows Right
Sleeping on your side can make sciatic problems worse, so you should try to ensure you’re staying on your back all night by utilizing pillows to help. Surround yourself with pillows tucked up to your sides to help prevent you from rolling over as you sleep.
If you are a side sleeper and can’t seem to break the habit or you’d rather continue to sleep on your side, then use a contoured pillow between your knees. These pillows are shaped to fit comfortably and snugly between your knees as you sleep. This helps to reduce the pressure placed on your lower back and may help reduce sciatic pain.
Talk to the chiropractors at The Joint today to help you deal with your sciatica.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.