HOW SHOULD I LAY WITH SCIATICA? A REVIEW BY DOCTORS
Expert opinion from Robert H. Shmerling
M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA
There is no single correct position recommended for people with sciatica. For many, finding a comfortable position is a matter of trial and error. To some extent, the cause of sciatica may affect which positions are most comfortable. For example, side-sleeping may be better for someone with sciatica due to lumbar spinal stenosis while back sleeping may feel better for the person with disc disease. And, of course, no matter what position you start with, people tend to move around during sleep so choosing a single position for sleep is often impossible. That said, many experts make the following general recommendations: Place a pillow under the knees and/or lower legs when lying on your back. Put a pillow between the knees if lying on your side. Try curling up in the fetal position. Use pillows to keep the head and upper back tilted forward a bit or sit in a reclining chair that allows a forward bend to the back. Stick with what works. If stomach sleeping is more comfortable, don’t feel compelled to follow advice about other positions, especially if the other positions cause more pain. If finding a comfortable position is challenging, work with a physical therapist who can help you identify and maintain positions that reduce pain when you lie down.
→ Learn more about sciatica: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
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Expert opinion from Ipsa Arora
MD (Internal Medicine) · 5 years of experience · USA
Lie flat on your back, with your heels and buttocks in touch with the bed, and your knees slightly bent towards the ceiling. To provide support, place a cushion between your bed and your knees. Gradually add more cushions until you achieve a comfortable knee posture. It is fairly unusual to experience no alleviation after a few days. Continue to try different sleeping positions until you discover one that helps you to sleep through the night.
Expert opinion from Sujith Chunduri
MBBS · 2 years of experience · India
Finding the best position to relieve sciatica may be a matter of trial and error. It’s a good idea to stick to positions that maintain the natural alignment of your spine. Lie flat on your back keep your heels and buttocks in contact with mattress. Bend your knees slightly upwards, place a pillow between your knees and mattress for support. Slowly add extra pillows until you find a comfortable knee position.
→ Learn more about sciatica: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to sciatica.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
2024-05-07T23:39:03Z dg43tfdfdgfd