Spinal surgery, while often necessary to address pain and mobility issues, can leave you feeling sore and uncomfortable. Regaining strength and flexibility takes time, and a crucial factor in a smooth spinal surgery recovery is getting quality sleep. But after surgery, your usual sleeping position might not be the best for your healing spine. This blog delves into how sleep positions affect spinal surgery recovery and offers tips to maximise comfort and promote healing.

Why Does Sleep Position Matters After Spinal Surgery?

The vertebrae in your spine naturally curve to form an S-shape. This curvature helps distribute pressure evenly across your spine. When you sleep in a position that disrupts this natural alignment, it can put undue stress on certain areas and hinder the healing process. Here's how different positions can impact your spinal surgery recovery:

• Sleeping on your back: This is generally considered the best position for spinal surgery recovery. It keeps your spine aligned and minimises pressure on the surgical site. To further improve comfort, place a pillow under your knees to maintain the natural curve of your lower back.
• Sleeping on your side: Side sleeping is also acceptable as long as you take steps to maintain spinal alignment. Use a pillow between your knees to prevent your hips from rotating inwards and putting your spine out of alignment. If you tend to roll onto your stomach during the night, consider placing a pillow behind your back for gentle resistance.
• Sleeping on your stomach: This position is strongly discouraged after spinal surgery. It arches your lower back and strains your neck, potentially leading to pain and complications.

Beyond Position: Additional Tips for Sleep Comfort

While choosing the right sleep position is essential, other factors contribute to a restful night after spinal surgery. Here are some additional tips:

• Choose the right mattress: A firm but supportive mattress that evenly distributes your weight is ideal. Avoid overly soft mattresses that can cause your spine to sink and lose its natural alignment. Consider a mattress with pressure-point relief technology, especially if you experience pressure sores.
• Invest in supportive pillows: Use pillows that provide adequate neck and head support and maintain proper spinal alignment. A cervical pillow with a gentle neck curve can be particularly helpful. Experiment with different pillow fillings and thicknesses to find what feels most comfortable for you.
• Practice log rolling: This technique involves rolling over your entire body as a unit rather than twisting at the waist. This minimises stress on your spine when getting in and out of bed or turning over. To log roll, bend your knees and bring them towards your chest. Turn your entire body towards the direction you want to face, keeping your head, shoulders, hips, and knees aligned. Push yourself up on your elbow and forearm on the side you're turning towards, and then lower your legs down to the mattress.
• Pain management: Discuss pain medication options with your doctor to ensure you're comfortable enough to sleep through the night. Taking pain medication before bedtime can help prevent waking up in pain.
• Relaxation techniques: Consider relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to ease tension and promote sleep. Progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense and release different muscle groups, can also be helpful.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Establish a consistent sleep schedule and wind down before bed with calming activities like reading a book or taking a warm bath. Avoid screen time for at least an hour before bedtime as the blue light emitted from electronic devices can disrupt sleep patterns.
• Adjust the temperature: A cool room temperature (around 60-67°F) is ideal for sleep.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep quality. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening, and limit alcohol consumption altogether, especially close to bedtime.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, but avoid excessive fluids close to bedtime to minimise nighttime bathroom trips.

Specific Considerations for Different Spinal Surgeries

The ideal sleep position might vary slightly depending on the specific type of spinal surgery you underwent. Here are some general guidelines:

• Lumbar fusion: Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees is generally recommended. This position helps maintain the natural curvature of your lower spine and minimises pressure on the surgical site. Side sleeping with a pillow between your knees is also acceptable. Avoid stomach sleeping altogether.
• Cervical fusion: Sleeping on your back with a small pillow under your head and a rolled towel under your neck for additional support might be most comfortable. This position helps keep your cervical spine aligned. Side sleeping with a pillow that cradles your head and neck is also an option. Avoid stomach sleeping.
• Microdiscectomy: Similar to lumbar fusion, sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees is ideal. This position minimises pressure on the surgical site and promotes healing. Side sleeping with a pillow between your knees is acceptable. Avoid stomach sleeping as it can put a strain on your lower back and neck.
• Laminectomy: Similar to a microdiscectomy, sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees or side sleeping with a pillow between your knees are the recommended positions. Avoid stomach sleeping.
• Kyphosis surgery: Sleeping on your stomach is generally not recommended after kyphosis surgery as it can worsen the curvature of your spine. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your upper back and another pillow under your knees is often the most comfortable position. Side sleeping with pillows strategically placed for support might also be an option, but discuss this with your doctor for specific guidance.

Wrapping Up

A restful night's sleep is vital for any recovery process, especially after spinal surgery. By choosing the right sleep position, utilising supportive bedding, practising good sleep hygiene, and addressing common sleep challenges, you can maximise your comfort and optimise your healing. However, remember, your doctor is your best resource. 

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about sleep positions or your spinal surgery recovery in general. With a little planning and the right guidance, you can achieve a comfortable night's sleep and a smooth spinal surgery recovery.

If you or someone you know is suffering from spine-related issues then consult an expert orthopaedic at your nearest tertiary-care hospital as soon as possible!