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Tips for Sleeping With Sciatica Pain

By Randi Morse 

Dealing with sciatica is no joke. The burning, stabbing, or tingling pain that you may experience can easily prevent you from accomplishing your daily activities. The pain generally radiates from the lower back down through the legs and is usually on one side. As if it's not insulting enough to have to deal with pain during the day, sciatic pain can prevent you from sleeping well at night. The less sleep you get, the more susceptible you are to the pain, which makes it even more difficult to sleep. It's a vicious cycle. If you're looking for help sleeping with sciatica pain, there are a few ways that the right pillows may be able to help. 

Firm Beds 

Before we talk about pillows, let's talk about your sleeping surface. It's not uncommon for people to believe that a cushy sleeping surface is best for your body. While a soft surface may feel great, it is not the best for your back, especially if you deal with spinal issues. A medium firm to firm mattress can provide the support your back needs while also promoting spinal alignment.  

Wedge Cushion 

If you find that your sciatica feels better when you are reclining in an easy chair, you may want to use a two-piece wedge cushion. This type of cushion is designed to help raise your back while elevating your legs at the same time. It works by taking pressure from the nerves in your spine. With the pressure released, the pain should ease significantly, allowing you to get a good night's rest. 

At Home Wedge Cushion 

If you want to test if the two-piece wedge cushion will help you, there's a fairly cheap way to test the theory. Take two very dense pillows and put them behind your shoulders. Then, use a flatter pillow, or potentially two, under your knees to elevate your legs. This will give your body the same shape that the two-piece wedge cushion does but for a much more affordable price. This trick will only work for a while, as pillows tend to flatten over time. 

Side Sleepers 

If you are a side sleeper, a contoured pillow that fits between your legs can be a huge help in relieving sciatic pain. Much like with a two-piece wedge cushion, a contoured pillow between your knees helps to reduce the pressure on your spine while keeping your body aligned, which reduces the pressure and pain you experience. 

Getting a good night's sleep is important, but it can be hard to sleep when your body is in pain. The right sleeping surface, and the right pillows, maybe the best option for helping you deal with your sciatica pain at night. 

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Duluth, Ga.

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