3 sleeping positions for cervical osteochondrosis. How to understand that the position is wrong?

If the spine is the basis of health, then the right bed is a universal remedy. Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the intervertebral discs, in which the intervertebral pulp of the cervical region "regenerates" into ossified tissue. In 30% of cases, pathology provokes severe headaches.

If the recommendations of the doctor and improper treatment are not followed, the disease leads to the formation of intervertebral protrusion or hernia. We propose to consider how to sleep properly with cervical osteochondrosis in order to prevent complications.

Why is adequate sleep important for illness?

The spine is the axis of the body. It is surrounded by muscles, vascular network and nerve roots that affect the functioning of the whole organism. The spinal column is controlled by the central nervous system through the direction of nerve impulses.

When in a horizontal position, the spine retains its natural S-shape. However, the entire musculoskeletal system needs rest - complete relaxation. It can only be achieved during sleep.

During sleep, the intervertebral discs are in a relaxed state, the gap between them expands, which helps to strengthen the cartilage tissue. Sleeping correctly with cervical osteochondrosis means helping the spine in the fight against pathology.

How to sleep with cervical osteochondrosis - basic rules

If you are going on a trip and you plan to sleep in a car (train, plane, etc.), then take a small semi-circular roller with you. Wear it under your neck to ensure proper sleep even on the road.

Knowing how to sleep properly with osteochondrosis, you can ensure maximum peace of the cervical region during a night's rest.

Correct postures for sleeping

In what position should you sleep with cervical osteochondrosis?

• On the back. Lie down straight so that you are comfortable. Only the head should be on the pillow, relax the neck and slightly push it forward. Make sure that the thoracic and sacral areas are touching the surface of the bed. To make it more comfortable, use a roller (under your feet) - it will reduce the load;
• On the side. Bend your knees, placing a thin cushion between them. Make sure that only the head is on the pillow, while the shoulder should rest against the mattress;
• On the side, but with tucked up legs. Lie on your side, pull your legs, bent at the knees, to the chest area. A favorable position for rest, relieving tension from all parts of the spinal column.

The correct sleeping position during osteochondrosis does not include the position on the stomach. Even a slight turn of the head in this state will lead to a deterioration in well-being, and after waking up a person will not leave the feeling of some “stiffness” in the shoulders and the back of the head.

The correct position of the head during sleep with pathology is lying on the pillow, but the neck should not be located on it.

Video

How to choose the right pillow

Is it good to sleep on the floor?

If there is no orthopedic mattress, is it possible to sleep on the floor with osteochondrosis?

When choosing bedding, give preference to thin and natural fabrics (linen, cotton, etc.). If you sleep on your back, it is recommended to put a roller under your feet, then the spine will not “sag”.

How to sleep during an exacerbation of pathology?

With an exacerbation of osteochondrosis, it is difficult for a person to fall asleep - he is worried about pain, stiffness, and the feeling of discomfort does not leave him. In this situation, doctors recommend sleeping only on your side so that your shoulder rests on the mattress.

In this position, the spine takes on a natural shape - it straightens and is in a relaxed state. During the period of exacerbation of the pathology, refuse to use a roller under the head.

In case of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, be sure to consult a doctor!

Causes of pain after sleep

If pains are often observed after sleep with osteochondrosis, then the reason is the incorrect position of the vertebrae and neck muscles. During a night's rest, they do not relax, the tension does not go away, there is a violation of cerebral circulation. The result - after lifting a person feels fatigue, discomfort and severe pain.

They can be observed in the first days, as you change your usual sleeping position to the one that your doctor advised you. In this case, use special ointments and creams to relieve discomfort.

After 2-3 days, the body will get used to the new position and the pain will pass. If this does not happen, contact your doctor.

How to understand that the position is wrong?

Did you know that sleep quality is linked to the development of musculoskeletal diseases?

In 2008, a study was conducted with the participation of 4,140 people in whom sleep problems led to a worsening of the clinical picture.

If observed:

• difficulty falling asleep
• intermittent sleep,
• stiffness in the shoulders
• early rise,
• irritability after sleep
• feeling tired in the morning
• discomfort in the neck

then you have the wrong position during sleep. Even those poses that the doctor advised may not suit you. In this case, try changing your position - for example, press your legs closer to your chest, buy a more voluminous roller, orthopedic products, etc.

Choosing a mattress

It is better to sleep with osteochondrosis on an orthopedic mattress, which is enough to change every 7-10 years. The dimensions of the product are completely determined by the height and weight of the person. Pay special attention to the degree of firmness of the mattress.

Buy semi-rigid models that provide:

• excellent body support
• comfortable position of the spinal column,
• correct distribution of pressure,
• unhindered blood circulation.

Strongly rigid or soft models provoke a curvature of the spine and lead to severe pain.

Pillow selection

Sleeping without using a pillow in case of cervical pathology is not recommended. In this state, the head and neck will be located at the same level, which will not allow the vertebrae to relax and rest as much as possible.

Factors affecting the choice of pillow:

• The form. Choose rectangular models with rollers located at the edges. For rest in the daytime, an oval or semicircular pillow is perfect;
• Height. The optimal range of values ​​​​is 9-14 cm, but specific indicators are determined by the width of the shoulders. When choosing, focus on the level of comfort;
• Width. It is important that the shoulders, being in a horizontal position, do not go beyond the edges of the selected pillow;
• Elasticity. The head should not sink, otherwise the vertebrae will constantly be in a tense state;
• Rigidity. Buy products of medium hardness, but check with your doctor first.

An important rule is to change the pillow every 5 years for adults and children.

Some models of orthopedic pillows are equipped with a special recess or a soft elevation for comfortable placement of the shoulders. These products prevent the head from tilting and provide support for the natural curve of the neck.

Choice of material used as filler: