What is a Bulging Disc?
Bulging discs can have a negative impact on nearly every part of your quality of life, including 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 result that 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 minds rest and our bodies heal. 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, there are actions anyone can take to improve their quality of sleep if they have been diagnosed with a bulging disc.
Better Sleep for Bulging Disc Patients
Here are some tips for getting 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 relax 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 as 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, but with some patience you can find yourself more physically and mentally refreshed in the mornings.
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, spinal injections, chiropractic adjustment, heat therapy, and cold therapy, a very large number of patients are able to find lasting relief and a return to a good quality of life.
Surgical intervention may be necessary if conservative efforts are ineffective. Through the use of modern technology, surgeons are now able to complete these procedures without the need for large incisions. BEST Health System is the industry leader in minimally invasive care. Even compared to other minimally invasive surgical providers, BEST is setting the blueprint. Contact our team to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. Put an end to your back pain now and for all.
