Jul 25, 2024

Is It Better to Sit or Lay Down With a Slipped Disc?

Slipped discs can cause immense pain and discomfort, affecting all aspects of your daily life and leaving you searching for relief. Until you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to understand the challenges that come with the condition, such as finding a comfortable position or the constant worry that you’ll move the wrong way and make things worse.

At Ortho Joint Relief, we understand the challenges you face when dealing with slipped discs and other painful back injuries. We offer a wide range of effective solutions for those looking for back supports, back stretchers, or an electric lower back massager in the UK – all with next-day delivery.

Above all else, the most important thing is finding an effective solution tailored to your unique joint pain needs. Whether you’re asking what is the best back support for sciatica or seeking information about slipped discs, we’re here to help.

So, is it better to sit or lay down with a slipped disc?

If you’re asking this question, you might be trying to work out which option will be less painful or which position is better for your long-term recovery, so let’s discuss whether sitting or lying down is better for alleviating the pain of a slipped disc.

How Does a Slipped Disc Affect Your Daily Life?

A slipped disc, or herniated disc, occurs when the soft inner core of the spinal disc pushes through the tougher exterior casing. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.

A slipped disc can significantly impact your daily activities such as sitting, standing, walking, and lying down, each presenting unique challenges and discomfort.

Impacts on Sitting

Sitting with a slipped disc can exacerbate pain and stiffness, making prolonged sitting incredibly uncomfortable.

The pressure placed on the spinal discs in a seated position can intensify symptoms, leading to increased pain levels and restricted mobility.

Impacts on Standing

Standing or walking with a slipped disc can also aggravate symptoms significantly. The weight-bearing nature of standing places stress on the spine, potentially compressing the herniated disc and irritating nearby nerves.

Standing (even for a short period of time) can result in sharp pain, numbness, or tingling sensations that limit your ability to move comfortably.

Impacts on Lying Down

Lying down, on the other hand, offers relief for some individuals with a slipped disc, as it can reduce pressure on the spine. This position can help decompress the affected disc, easing nerve irritation and providing temporary relief from pain.

However, this varies from person to person. Others may find that certain sleeping positions exacerbate their symptoms due to inadequate support or improper alignment of the spine. There’s no one-size-fits-all playbook for having a slipped disc, so don’t worry if you don’t find lying down comfortable right now.

Is Sitting Down Beneficial for a Slipped Disc?

If you have a slipped disc, standing for too long can be excruciating, so it’s natural that you might want to sit down as soon as you can. Unfortunately, sitting for extended periods can actually worsen symptoms because it puts pressure on the spinal discs and nerves.

How It Works

The discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, and when a disc is herniated or slipped, this pressure can aggravate the condition. Nerves that are already irritated by the herniated disc can become further compressed, leading to increased pain, tingling, or numbness in the legs or back.

When you sit incorrectly or for too long, it strains the lower back. Poor posture, such as slouching or sitting without adequate lumbar support, can further stress the spine and exacerbate the slipped disc.

Prolonged sitting in positions that do not support the natural curvature of the spine can also contribute to muscle tension and stiffness, making movement more painful and challenging.

It's helpful if you can be mindful of your sitting habits if you have a slipped disc. Sitting in a way that supports your spine and reduces pressure on the affected area helps manage discomfort and promote healing.

Tips on Sitting Comfortably with a Slipped Disc

Choosing the right chair and maintaining good posture are essential steps in sitting comfortably with a slipped disc:

Use an Ergonomic Chair – Look for a chair that supports the natural curve of your spine, with adjustable lumbar support to maintain proper alignment.
Keep Feet Flat on the Floor – Ensure your feet are flat on the ground or on a footrest to relieve pressure on your lower back.
Take Breaks – Stand up, stretch, and walk around periodically to reduce strain on your spine and improve circulation.
Use Supportive Cushions – Consider using a lumbar support cushion or pillow to help maintain the natural curve of your spine while sitting.
Adjust Your Workstation – If you’re at work or at home, position your computer monitor at eye level and keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary twisting or bending.

If you incorporate these tips into your daily routine, you can create a more comfortable sitting environment that supports spinal health and helps manage the symptoms of a slipped disc.

Is Lying Down a Better Option?

For individuals suffering from a slipped disc, lying down can often provide significant relief from symptoms.

Lying down allows the spine to decompress naturally, which reduces the pressure on the affected disc. This decompression helps to alleviate irritation on the nerves that may be causing pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the back or legs.

How It Works

When you lie down, especially on a firm mattress, your spine is better supported in its natural alignment. This support helps to maintain the proper curvature of the spine and reduces strain on the muscles surrounding the slipped disc. As a result, the vertebrae and discs are able to rest and recover, which can lead to a reduction in pain and discomfort.

Additionally, lying down promotes better blood circulation and allows for more efficient nutrient delivery to the affected area, which supports the healing process [1-3].

Tips on Lying Down Comfortably with a Slipped Disc

For maximum comfort and relief while lying down with a slipped disc, consider the following points:

Choose a Firm Mattress – A firm mattress provides better support for your spine than a soft one, helping to maintain proper alignment.
Experiment with Sleeping Positions – Try different positions, such as lying on your back with a pillow under your knees or lying on your side with a pillow between your legs, to find which position alleviates the most pressure and discomfort.
Use Supportive Pillows – Place pillows strategically to support your neck and lower back, ensuring that your spine remains aligned while you sleep.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach – Sleeping on your stomach can strain your neck and lower back, exacerbating symptoms of a slipped disc.
Consider a Supportive Brace or Belt – If recommended by your healthcare provider, wearing a lumbar brace or belt while lying down can provide additional support and stability to the affected area. For example, our Infrared Belt for Back Pain provides heating and vibrating elements for immediate relief.

Best Sleeping Positions for Slipped Discs

Choosing the right sleeping position is key to manage discomfort and supporting healing when you have a slipped disc. The most important thing is finding one that allows you to rest without pain – or with as little as possible. We’ve listed some suggested sleeping positions below that might be comfortable. However, its recommended that you first consult with your health practitioner or physiotherapist to understand which positions will be beneficial or detrimental to your condition, as this will vary from person to person.

1. Back Sleeping with Knee Support

When lying on your back, place a pillow under your knees to help maintain the natural curve of your lower back and reduce pressure on the spine. This position can relieve tension and promote spinal alignment.

2. Side Sleeping with Knee Hug

Lie on your side and gently draw your knees toward your chest. Place a pillow between your knees to align your hips and reduce strain on your lower back. This position can help open up the space between your vertebrae and alleviate pressure on the slipped disc.

3. Foetal Position

Curling up in a foetal position on your side with your knees drawn toward your chest can help relieve pressure on the spine. Ensure your back is supported by a firm mattress and use a pillow to support your neck.

4. Modified Side Sleeping

If you prefer to sleep on your side, try placing a pillow under your waist to support your spine's natural curvature. This can help reduce twisting of the spine and prevent exacerbation of symptoms.

5. Reclined Position

Some individuals find relief by sleeping in a reclined position with the upper body slightly elevated. Use a reclining chair or adjustable bed to achieve this position, ensuring your spine is supported and comfortable.

Following the advice of your healthcare practitioner, you can experiment with recommended sleeping positions to find which one provides the most relief and comfort for your slipped disc. It's essential to maintain proper spinal alignment and support throughout the night to promote healing and prevent further aggravation of symptoms.

Back Supports For Sitting With a Slipped Disc

Sometimes, finding the right equipment goes a long way in managing your pain and discomfort. Back supports such as lumbar cushions and braces can play a central role in relieving pain and promoting proper posture for individuals with a slipped disc. Here are some of the options:

Lumbar Cushions

Lumbar cushions are designed to support the natural curvature of the lower back, helping to maintain proper spinal alignment while sitting. By filling in the gap between the chair and your lower back, these cushions reduce strain on the spine and alleviate pressure on the affected disc.

Devices such as our electric shiatsu massager are portable and can be used in various seating environments, including office chairs, car seats, and even at home.

Lumbar Braces

Lumbar braces provide external support to stabilise the spine and limit excessive movement that could worsen symptoms of a slipped disc. These braces, such as our infrared belt for back pain are typically adjustable to fit snugly around your waist and lower back, providing compression to the affected area.

By promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing strain on the disc, lumbar braces help facilitate healing and alleviate discomfort during prolonged sitting.

Ergonomic Chairs

These chairs are equipped with adjustable features such as lumbar support, seat depth, and armrest height to accommodate individual preferences and promote healthy posture.

Ergonomic chairs help distribute body weight evenly and reduce pressure on the lower back by encouraging proper alignment of the spine. This can significantly alleviate discomfort and prevent the symptoms of a slipped disc from worsening.

Ergonomic Cushions

Similar to lumbar cushions, ergonomic seat cushions provide additional support and comfort by reducing pressure on the spine while sitting.

These cushions are made from high-density foam or memory foam to contour to your body shape and provide optimal support for prolonged periods. They are versatile and can be used on various seating surfaces to improve your comfort and help you maintain proper posture throughout the day.

Conclusion

Managing a slipped disc and all the woes that come with it can be challenging. Something as simple as finding the right position to rest in becomes vitally important. Whether you find relief from sitting in a comfortable, ergonomic chair (with regular breaks) or from lying down with your lumbar cushion depends on your individual needs and the advice you receive from your healthcare practitioner.

Trying out different positions and equipment in consultation with your healthcare provider, can help you determine what works best for you. It's essential to listen to your body and prioritise your comfort to effectively manage your slipped disc.

For more information on managing orthopaedic conditions and finding suitable back supports, browse through our back pain collection. We offer next-day delivery with a risk-free, 30-day return policy, ensuring what you need arrives when you need it.

It’s time to take proactive steps today to manage your slipped disc and improve your well-being. Whether the next step involves adjusting your daily habits, seeking professional advice, or exploring a range of supportive products, addressing your symptoms now can lead to a better quality of life and enhanced comfort in the long run.

References

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.

Is It Better to Sit or Lay Down With a Slipped Disc?