Bulging discs can have a negative impact on nearly every part of your quality of life. For example, it can disrupt your ability to sleep soundly through the night. If displaced disc material puts pressure on a nerve in the spinal column, local pain and radiating symptoms can make it hard to get comfortable in bed or can have you waking up in the middle of the night.
If you are dealing with bulging disc symptoms that are preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep, it can be easy to feel like you’re in a vicious cycle. Sleep is a vital part of overall health helping our mind and body heal and rest. When sleep is disrupted and you aren’t well rested, it can make it even harder to deal with pain during the day and focus on the steps you need to properly treat this condition. Fortunately, if you have a bulging disc there are actions anyone can take to improve their quality of sleep.
Better Sleep For Bulging Disc Patients
Here are some tips for getting a longer, more restful sleep in spite of pain and other symptoms related to a bulging disc:
- Talk to your doctor about the possibility of other issues that may be disrupting your sleep
- Make sure you are sleeping on a supportive mattress and pillow that promote spinal alignment
- Do not eat or drink immediately before bed
- Take a hot shower to replace your muscles before bed or use a heating pad
- Sleep in a dark distraction-free room
- Use medication, such as pain relievers and muscle relaxers, as needed and only recommended by a doctor
It may take some trial and error to find the right combination of elements that allow you to sleep better if you have a bulging disc. However, with some patience, you can find yourself more physically and mentally refreshed in the mornings
Your Treatment Options
Lifestyle factors like getting quality sleep, staying active, practicing good posture, and eating a healthy diet are essential to the bulging disc treatment process. By combining a healthy lifestyle with options like physical therapy, massage therapy, spinal injections, chiropractic adjustment, and heat/cold therapy, a very large number of patients are able to find lasting relief and a return to a good quality of life.
Spine surgery is usually a last resort. However, it will become a serious consideration if symptoms remain debilitating and do not respond to conservative treatments. If you are researching the possibility of bulging disc surgery, feel free to reach out to BEST Health System. Our minimally invasive spine surgery is performed by our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Girton and Dr. Abbott. The outpatient procedures at BEST are a more effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery.
