
Anyone who suffers from sciatica knows that a good night’s sleep can be elusive. Studies report that up to 55% of patients with sciatica and other low back pain have trouble getting quality shuteye.
Interventional pain management physician Edward Carden, MD, located in Sherman Oaks, CA, has helped countless patients with sciatica get much-needed sleep. Here he explains how.
Sciatica pain can actually feel worse while laying down because doing so increases the pressure on the irritated nerve. That’s where your sleep position comes in. Here are a few to try.
Generally, a mattress that is too soft does not promote proper spinal alignment. They can worsen your pain because they tend to sink into the mattress. If your mattress is too soft, consider placing plywood between the mattress and the box spring. Research suggests that using a medium-firm mattress may help reduce lower back pain.
Even so, no one mattress works for all. Before investing in a new one, try different positions, pillows, or even a pillow top for your current mattress.
Don’t live and lose sleep over sciatica pain. Dr. Carden creates individual treatment plans to manage sciatica pain. Depending on diagnosis and symptoms, your plan may include one or more of the following:
For immediate help with sciatica and other back pain, call the office of Edward Carden, MD to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.