Scoliosis can cause the spine to curve in an unnatural way.If you have Scoliosis, you need to be extra careful about the way you sleep, as a bad position can make your symptoms worse.If you have Scoliosis, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep.
Step 1: You should sleep on your back.
Flat on the back is the best sleeping position for people with Scoliosis.This neutral position does not cause any strain or unnatural curves in the spine.This position is preferred by people who have a curve in the spine.
Step 2: Don't sleep on your stomach.
Sleeping on your stomach is bad for your back.The position forces the middle and lower sections of your spine to be straight.
Step 3: Don't sleep on your back.
Sleeping on your side is not ideal for Scoliosis patients.This position may put too much pressure on your neck and shoulders.
Step 4: If you want to sleep in a new position, train yourself to do so.
It may feel unnatural if you're not used to sleeping on your back.You may need to use tricks to break the habit of changing to a different sleeping position at night.If you want to prevent yourself from rolling over, you can put a barricade around yourself with extra pillows.You can tape peas to your sides.You will roll back onto your back if you sleep on your side.
Step 5: You should invest in a good mattress.
It's important that you have a supportive mattress.A medium to firm mattress is the best choice for most people.It is not a good idea for people with Scoliosis to use memory foam as it does not provide as much support as a traditional mattress.
Step 6: Use pillows that are supportive.
Many people with Scoliosis don't have the correct amount of curve in their neck and back.Try sleeping on a pillow that will encourage your spine to curve in a healthy way.A single pillow or roll is better than multiple pillows.Sleeping on pillows can be dangerous.
Step 7: Follow your doctor's instructions.
If you have a brace, it's important that you wear it as much as your doctor tells you to.Most patients have to keep their braces on at night because they are supposed to wear them for 21 hours a day.
Step 8: Stay active.
Staying active during the day can help alleviate back pain.It will make it easier to fall asleep at night.Aerobic exercise, stretching, and core-strengthening exercises are great for people with Scoliosis.It's a good idea to avoid contact sports and competitive swimming.
Step 9: It should be dark.
melatonin helps us sleep and may be produced by people with Scoliosis.Nighttime light, whether it's from a lamp, the television, or any other source, affects melatonin production for everyone, and this is especially bad for individuals who produce less of it to start with.To avoid disrupting melatonin production, keep your room nice and dark.Children with Scoliosis have higher levels of growth hormone.melatonin levels will usually be low when there are high levels of growth hormone.
Step 10: Be patient as you adjust to your brace.
It will be hard to sleep in a brace if you have just been given it.It won't bother you at all after a week or two, because most people get used to their braces quickly.If you continue to have trouble sleeping after the first few weeks, talk to your doctor to see if there are any adjustments that can be made to the brace.
Step 11: Take care of your pain.
Some people don't experience pain from Scoliosis, but others do.Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping because of pain.Depending on the severity of your condition, there are different ways to treat it.Ibuprofen can be taken over-the-counter for mild pain.If your pain gets worse, your doctor may suggest that you take pain medication.These injections will only provide you with temporary relief, so your doctor may recommend them.It is possible to achieve long-term pain relief with physical therapy.Your doctor may recommend surgery if nothing else works to control your pain.Decompression surgery, which is done to remove a disc or bone that is compressing a nerve, is one of the most common types of surgery performed for Scoliosis.