What is something you don’t notice until someone points it out? That’s right; it’s Scoliosis. And aside from its irregular spinal form, a person having this may experience occasional pain due to the weak lumbar region.
Not everyone knows what it’s like to have Scoliosis. Having that abnormal spinal curve can make sleeping, let alone being comfortable, difficult. So how should you rest? Here are the best resting positions that can help soothe it.
Often described as a curve that looks like a “C” or an “S,” Scoliosis is a condition wherein a person’s backbone curves to the side. Typically, the spine runs straight down the middle, but it doesn’t apply to everyone. According to doctors, anything that measures more than 10 degrees is already Scoliosis; so, whether the curve is small or large, you should get it checked out.
Comfortably sleeping is a problem people with Scoliosis know all too well. Some consider it a “nightmare,” because it causes unwelcome body pain. It doesn’t matter if you are sporting a brace, it hurts just as bad.
If you haven’t got the chance to visit your doctor yet, don’t worry! Here are the resting and sleeping positions guaranteed to be pain-free:
ON YOUR BACKS. READY, SET, SLEEP!
The irony of this style is you are sleeping on your back, but you are also taking the pressure off of it. Sleep on your back with a towel, or thin pillow tucked underneath your shoulder blades. As you rest in this position, your head is also lying on a standard pillow. Sleeping on your back is considered the healthiest sleeping position. It prevents neck and back pain, reduces acid reflux, and minimizes wrinkles.
GOING SIDEWAYS.
A favorite resting position by anyone (not just those with Scoliosis). As you sleep on your side, get a body pillow and tuck it between your legs. Tucking the pillow helps open up the spinal canal. You may also place a rolled-up towel or pillow under your upper rib cage. Sleeping on your side helps reduce snoring and acid reflux, and maintain regular blood flow, especially for the pregnant mommies.
It is important to remember that SLEEPING ON YOUR BELLY is a DEFINITE NO-NO. It is the worst position for those with Scoliosis because it causes the thoracic spine to become relatively flatter. It may even be a cause of worst symptoms! Sleeping in this position also twist your spine, as it requires you to turn your head (while your body is flat on the bed) to the side.
Other Tips for a Restful Night’s Sleep
In addition to these proper and comfortable sleeping positions, you can also be a bit more extra by doing the following:
Invest in a good quality mattress. Having a quality mattress makes everything easier. Sleep is essential, but so is the bed you lie on. Allot time finding out which mattress feel more comfortable for your back. Getting the help of experts from different mattress stores is the way to go.
Seek the help of a chiropractor. While this isn’t exactly the right option for everyone with Scoliosis, it still works for some. Make sure to research a lot of the risks, benefits, and advantages before getting chiropractic care to restore the optimal spinal function.
Finally, other individuals with scoliosis have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep. A good recommendation for this is to consult a mental health professional to know the options available for them. Read the BetterHelp article to help you assess more about how can professionals help.