Scoliosis can affect the way you sleep. For one, it could result in difficulty in breathing. In addition, it makes sleeping extremely uncomfortable. Thus, it isn’t surprising that many patients search for the best scoliosis sleeping position.
In this post, allow us to share with you what the condition is all about, how you can sleep properly, and how you can avoid its progression.
What is Scoliosis?
When we talk about scoliosis, this refers to the abnormal curvature of one’s spine. More often than not, it is diagnosed during childhood or early adolescence. Some of its symptoms are the following:
- The head is not centered
- Rib cages do not have the same height
- One or both hips are raised
- Uneven waist
- Body leans to just one side
- Your shoulders are not even
If you are not a professional, you can’t conclude if one has scoliosis. You should take a physical examination, spinal radiograph, x-ray, MRI, or CT scan.
For its treatment, there are also different options depending on the severity of your condition. These are observation, bracing, and surgery.
Observation
In most cases, for children, scoliosis is extremely mild and will not require any type of treatment. However, careful observation is necessary to see if the curve is progressing.
Bracing
This treatment is ideal for patients who are yet to reach skeletal maturity. The braces today are more comfortable and could even be worn under clothes. You can ask your doctor for these types of braces if it will help your condition.
Surgery
The last resort would be surgery, and this is recommended for severe type of scoliosis. For adults, you might need to undergo surgery if the spinal curve is greater than 50 degrees.
Best Scoliosis Sleeping Position
The best sleeping position for scoliosis depends on your condition. But in general, experts would recommend that you sleep in a neutral position. The worst position would be sleeping on your stomach simply because it arches your back. And if this happens, you are putting both your neck and back in an unnatural state.
Being a side sleeper is good too, and many people find this position comfortable. Aside from that, it has a number of benefits, including better sleep, lesser risk of sleep apnea, and improved brain circulation.
While only a few people are back sleepers, this is highly recommended for scoliosis patients. This is because it distributes the weight evenly. So if you can try this one out, then please do so.
How to Sleep Better with Scoliosis
But it isn’t only the sleeping position that you have to know. There are ways to improve the quality of your sleep. Here are some of those.
Buy a Quality Mattress
It is ideal that you buy a high-quality and medium-firm mattress for your condition. You need a product that could support your back for an extended period of time. We suggest getting a topper if buying a new mattress isn’t economical.
When you are using a topper, do not get one that is more than three inches thick. We found a good brand online, and we bet you’re going to love it too.
Tempur-Pedic Supreme 3-inch Medium Firm Mattress Topper
Check the latest price on Amazon.
This topper can improve your sleep quality. It can easily adapt to your body’s temperature, and you can have a fantastic sleep every single night. In addition to that, it has an easy-to-wash cover, so you can guarantee that there will be no dust and allergens. Best of all, it’s durable and can last for several years. You can also add this topper to the mattress in your guest room so that your visitors will also have a comfortable sleep.
Some of its users highly recommend the product. They have been using it for years, and it feels like it is still brand new.
Get New Pillows for Your Spine
When you have scoliosis, you need to make sure that you place your pillows properly for support. Remember, for your head, you shouldn’t use huge pillows. Smaller ones are better, or if you have rolled-towels, that should do the job as well.
For scoliosis in your upper back, your pillow should be placed under your shoulder blades. If you are used to sleeping on your side, you can put your pillow between your legs. If possible, add another under your ribcage.
Now, if scoliosis is found in your lower spine, you can place your pillow right above your lower back. This will also give you extra support. Likewise, you can add a pillow under your neck aside from your regular one.
Others are also getting customized pillows to further support their spine. This is way better than getting memory foam pillows that target the general market. When you have a personalized one, the shape will be according to your spine, thereby improving your position and comfort level.
But before you do these techniques, make sure that you talk to your doctor first. They might provide you with more specific tips tailored-fit to your condition.
Get Sleeping Aid
It would also help if you buy products that can promote quality sleep. You can get a noise-ambient machine or essential oils, to name a few. The main reason why we encourage you to get these products is to have the best possible sleep. You see, a well-rested body can react positively with treatments.
Speaking of essential oil, we found one that has impressed the market. It’s from the brand called Maple Holistics.
Maple Holistics Essential Oil
Check the latest price on Amazon.
The great thing about this essential oil is that it promises relaxation. In addition to that, you will have lesser anxiety. If your doctor has encouraged you to do yoga to improve your scoliosis, this product could help you focus more. Plus, it’s beneficial for people with insomnia.
Here’s a video where you can learn how to sleep even if you have scoliosis.
Can Proper Sleeping Position Treat Scoliosis?
The right sleeping position can ease discomfort, but it could never treat scoliosis. What you need is to have the proper treatment for your condition. Your doctor will also recommend exercises that could stop its progression.
Conclusion
When you have scoliosis, you need to be careful with your choices. This includes the sleeping position and even the sleeping aid that you could use.
