If you are looking for ways to get better sleep for your spinal issues, this guide can help.
Did you know that over 90% of seniors suffer from degenerative disk disorder? DD often leads to lumbar spinal stenosis, which can cause difficulties in your everyday life, including sleep!
If you lose sleep due to LSS, you’ve come to the right place. This article will discuss the best sleeping position for lumbar spinal stenosis, treatment, and finally, the best lumbar spinal stenosis doctors in Maryland.
Ready to learn more? Keep reading!
What Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
The word stenosis means narrowing, which is exactly what happens to the spinal canal of someone who suffers from LSS. Spinal stenosis can happen anywhere along your spine. However, if you suffer specifically from lumbar spinal stenosis, you’ll notice pain right where the spine connects to the pelvic.
Five vertebrae connect the rest of your spine to your pelvic area called the lumbar vertebrae. This particular area is often referred to as the lumbar area.
When the spinal canal of this area tightens, you will experience symptoms like:
- Lower back pain
- Sciatic pain
- Numbness down the leg
- Loss of feeling in the feet
- Lack of bowel and bladder control
- Sexual dysfunction
Additionally, due to the severe pain and weakness of the legs, you might experience problems walking.
How to Sleep With Spinal Stenosis
The problem with spinal stenosis is the pressure on your spinal nerves. Different sleeping positions will cause more pressure. Additionally, the type of mattress can also affect your spinal health.
The best mattress for spinal stenosis is a firm one. This type of mattress gives you the proper support and can start improving your spinal health.
Some patients found that a leg pillow or body pillow helps while sleeping with back pain. The extra support aligns the leg, spine, and pelvis to relieve the pressure from the problem areas.
Best Sleeping Position for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Sleeping with back pain is difficult regardless of the causes. You might end up changing sleeping positions throughout the night.
Let’s take a look at the best sleeping position for spinal stenosis.
–
Back Sleeping
The best position for sleeping with pack pain is on your back, especially if you have a firm mattress that gives you proper support.
If you prefer a softer mattress, it might be best to elevate your legs to relieve the pressure on your lumbar area. When you are sleeping on your back, you must have the proper support for your head and neck.
Back sleeping is the best sleeping position for a slipped disc if that is causing your LSS.
–
Side Sleeping
Some people have issues sleeping on their back, and while you can train yourself to do so, it might be difficult. If you cannot sleep on your back due to other health issues, try changing your sleeping positions to the side.
You can use pillows to align your shoulders and pelvis so that your spine is not twisted or curved.
–
Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleeping tends to put a lot of strain on your lower back. And if you do not have the proper pillow, you will also twist your neck and shoulders so that you can breathe properly.
Choosing this sleeping position can further cause significant pain. If you tend to sleep on your stomach, please consider changing your sleeping position.
However, sometimes it is inevitable, and you have no other choice. If this is the case, place a pillow under your pelvic area to compensate for the pressure put on the spine.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Maryland
Some treatment plans can ease the pain and restore some of the functions of spinal stenosis. However, for effective treatment, you will likely need to undergo surgery.
Non-surgical treatments include physical therapy, stretches, and massages. In addition, some treatment plans will include injections to relieve some of the pain.
You may qualify for spinal stenosis surgery. This can either include laminectomy, also called decompression surgery, or spinal fusion, where two vertebrae join together through a synthetic graft.
Other treatments include:
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Doctors in Maryland
As you can see, there are several treatment options for those who suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis.
There are certain qualities you need to look for in a doctor. While everyone is a professional and needs to adhere to a code of conduct, not all doctors will be a good fit for you.
When looking for a doctor, look for their willingness to invest their time. Some doctors will have a set time for each appointment, but doctors should allow you to fully explain the issues, discuss the treatment, and answer any important questions.
Additionally, they should have good communication skills. Your health takes precedent, and if your doctor cannot communicate how they can help, move on.
Look for these additional skills that a reputable doctor should have:
- Friendliness
- No hidden fees
- Professional office
- Great reviews
Finally, make sure that you agree with your doctor’s approach to care. If you prefer to take care of your health through diet and exercise, your doctor should advocate this type of treatment as well.
Finding a doctor that isn’t at odds with how you take care of your body is crucial in how you move forward.
Struggling With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? Get Help
Even though the majority of the population struggles with back pain, it doesn’t mean that you need to live with it. Finding the best sleeping position for lumbar spinal stenosis can help, but don’t forget, that treatment is just around the corner.
Are looking for a treatment plan? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!