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There’s nothing more rejuvenating than a good night’s sleep, so when back pain keeps you from getting the rest you need to be your best, it’s natural to start exploring options for treatment. Back pain that strikes in the middle of the night can be caused by many things, but one of the most common causes is a herniated disc. Sleeping with a herniated disc can be grueling. It can lead to sleepless nights that drag on interminably, which, in turn, affect your ability to be productive. If you’ve been losing sleep to back pain, it may be time to consult an orthopedic surgeon about the possibility of a herniated disc.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus, the inner, gel-like substance found in the core of each intervertebral disc, protrudes through the annulus fibrosus and into the spinal canal. Simply put, it’s a tear in the intervertebral disc that can cause a substantial amount of pain and discomfort — especially when left untreated for a long period of time. Herniated discs can occur in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spine; however, it is most commonly found in the lumbar spine. Symptoms vary depending on the affected region of the spine, the number of affected discs, and the nature of the injury (i.e., a traumatic injury, degenerative disc disease, etc.) Herniated disc pain is typically the result of compressed nerve roots in the spine. These nerves connect to other parts of the body, which means herniated disc symptoms aren’t always localized.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

There are a broad range of herniated disc symptoms, and everyone will experience different symptoms depending on their particular condition. That said, most patients experience pain in one form or another, including:

• Intense pain in the lower back
• Radiating pain that travels down the back and legs
• Pain that arises when sitting for long periods of time or when bending or twisting

Muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” feeling in the legs or hands are also linked to herniated discs. Other symptoms include neck stiffness, pain that grows worse during the night, and muscle weakness or fatigue.

Sleeping With a Herniated Disc

Did you know that sleeping on your stomach is generally accepted as the worst sleeping position for spinal health? This is because sleeping on your stomach puts unnecessary strain on muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae in the cervical region. It’s also been known to increase the arch in the lower back which can also cause pain. If you currently find yourself stomach-sleeping on a regular basis, adjusting your habits now can help you improve your sleep habits to help mitigate your herniated disc pain from getting any worse. If you simply can’t fall asleep without sleeping on your stomach, consider putting a pillow under your hips (and knees) to minimize extraneous pressure on your spinal cord. This trick also helps maintain the natural alignment of the spine.

Sleeping positions that don’t alter the natural curvature of the spine are ideal for those sleeping with a herniated disc. Sleeping on your side can help reduce herniated disc pain, but it’s not regarded as the best option (although placing a pillow between your knees can help relieve the hip pain that can result from this sleeping position). Sleeping on your back is always the best option for maintaining your spine’s natural curvature. You might still experience pain at night, but you won’t be further damaging the disc by sleeping in an awkward position. Furthermore, you can modify this sleeping position by placing pillows under your knees or lower back.

Herniated Disc Pain Treatments

There are many treatment options for individuals dealing with a herniated disc; however, the option that works best for you will depend on your particular condition. Consult a spine surgeon for an accurate diagnosis to determine the ideal treatment for your needs. If you continue to deal with restless nights even after receiving treatment, consider changing your mattress to an option that is better suited for your needs.

Hot and Cold

There are many types and applications of hot and cold therapy that can be used to provide short-term relief for herniated disc pain. Whether soaking in a hot tub or applying heat wraps, these types of solutions are helpful for not only reducing pain but also helping you relax. Keep in mind that ice packs are a convenient and affordable way to control swelling and inflammation, but they can only do so much once your condition has progressed.

Lifestyle Modification

Changing the way you conduct yourself on a day-to-day basis can help you avoid making your condition worse. Getting lots of rest, adjusting your sleeping position, refraining from unadvised activities, and embracing a healthy diet can help you boost your health on a holistic level. Eating ginger, curcumin, green tea, magnesium, and nutmeg can help you reduce inflammation, too. Finally, physical therapy can also be used to help control herniated disc pain; however, it is most effective when combined with other treatment methodologies.

Chiropractic Care

Many patients consult a chiropractor for help dealing with herniated disc pain. When introduced early on, a chiropractor can help prevent or slow the worsening of a herniated disc. This is accomplished by applying force and pressure to the spine to relieve nerve compression, a treatment known as ‘spinal manipulation.’ Unfortunately, chiropractic care may not be sufficient for severely herniated discs.

Medication and Injections

Of course, medication is always an option for patients suffering from a herniated disc. Pain can oftentimes be managed with the use of over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and NSAIDs. If these medications aren’t strong enough to relieve your pain, an epidural steroid injection can be employed to provide relief that lasts for months at a time. An epidural steroid injection must be administered by a medical professional in an outpatient setting.

Surgery

When all other treatment options prove futile, many patients turn to a spine surgeon for a type of minimally invasive surgery known as a discectomy. Using a small incision, the surgeon will access the affected disc and use tiny instruments to clear away the portion of the disc that is compressing the nerve root in the spine. If damage is too extensive, the entire disc can be removed and replaced with an artificial disc. The good news is that most herniated discs can be treated in an outpatient setting in as little as one day, and with minimally invasive options, there’s a far reduced chance of complications and side effects following surgery. Due to this, surgery is quickly becoming one of the most popular options for obtaining long-term relief for herniated disc pain.