Why Sciatica Pain Is Worse At Night ? – An Overview

Why Sciatica Pain Is Worse At Night Image: Waswatch Peak

VoM News Desk | April 4, 2024 | 07:37 PM IST | Featured by VoM, Featured Edition, Health | Follow on Google News

Why Sciatica Pain Is Worse At Night ? – An Overview

Why Sciatica Pain Is Worse At Night (And How To Beat It According To A Doctor)

Doctor’s Insight: How To Alleviate The Sciatica Pain That’s Keeping You Awake

Does sciatica give you severe pain in your lower back and legs? Besides hindering your days, it can disturb your nights and prevent you from getting a good night’s rest.  Dr. Tony Nalda, who leads the Scoliosis Reduction Center, explains why sciatica pain is worse at night, and what you can do about it. 

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a medical condition that occurs when something else in your body rubs or presses on your sciatic nerve. Possible causes include back injuries, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and slipped discs (a common reason).

What Are The Symptoms?

As Dr. Nalda explains, ‘The most common symptom of sciatica is shooting pains in your hips and legs. You may also experience weakness or numbness, or find it hard to move your legs. Some people have tingling or stabbing pains in their legs and thighs, or increased discomfort when they sit down.’

Why Is It Worse At Night?

People have fewer distractions overnight, which makes the discomfort seem more pronounced as it’s all the mind has to focus on. Dr. Nalda says, ‘Also, lying down for extended periods increases pressure on the sciatic nerve.’ Finally, the lack of movement at night can cause the muscles around the sciatic nerve to stiffen.

What Are The Options?

Dr. Nalda has these expert tips to help reduce your sciatica pain:

• Sleep on your back or side, not your front. Front sleeping doesn’t properly support the spine, and it increases nerve irritation.
• Use supportive body pillows and a medium to firm mattress.
• Do stretching exercises before you go to bed and after you get up to increase flexibility and blood circulation.
• Alternate between cold packs to reduce swelling and heat sources (like warm baths) to soothe muscle tension and ease discomfort. 
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor about stronger painkillers if normal over-the-counter medication isn’t working.
• Do gentle exercises throughout the day to keep your body moving, and don’t sit or lie down for long periods if you can help it.
• If you’re experiencing pain on one side, laying on that side can make your hip feel more uncomfortable, so try lying on the other side.

Dr. Nalda says, ‘A medical specialist may recommend physiotherapy, painkilling injections, or even surgery. If you act wisely, you can lessen the pain and improve your quality of life.’

Source:  Scoliosis Reduction Center

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