If you’re living with collapsed disc pain, your last full night of restful sleep could be a distant memory. Maybe you rely on pain medications to help you get through the day, but it’s possible that their beneficial effects wear off before you’re ready to hit the sack. At that point, you might find yourself perpetually tossing and turning as you struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position, all the while becoming more and more stressed out as you think about how tired you’re going to be the next day.

On top of your collapsed disc pain, the cumulative effects of sleep deprivation can leave you feeling overwhelmingly tired, irritable and unable to concentrate. This can lead to a vicious cycle as your back pain makes it difficult to sleep, and your lack of sleep further intensifies your back pain. If you’re feeling frustrated by this, USA Spine Care can help.

How to sleep better during back pain episodes

While falling and staying asleep might seem like an impossible dream when you’re dealing with collapsed discpain, there are several steps you can take to help ensure a good night’s rest. We suggest:

• Establishing a relaxing bedtime ritual. Try to go to bed at the same time every night. You might follow a simple routine, such as changing your clothes, brushing your teeth and setting your alarm, which can help you relax. Never read, watch TV or work in bed — these activities will allow your body to become accustomed to not being at rest while you are in bed.
• Sleeping on your side. If you’re a stomach-sleeper, try to break the habit. This position can cause your back to arch, which can aggravate your pain. You might feel more comfortable in a fetal position with a small pillow tucked between your knees.
• Reviewing your medications with your physician. When used as part of a comprehensive pain management program, certain medications can help you sleep better. For safety reasons, your medication use should be continually monitored by your physician, who can recommend adjustments if necessary.

Surgery to address severe collapsed disc pain

In addition to disrupting your sleep, a collapsed disc can diminish your quality of life. If you haven’t found the relief you need with conservative therapy, you may want to review your treatment plan with your physician. Consider that, unlike conservative therapies — which are designed only to alleviate symptoms — surgery can actually address your collapsed disc itself.

If you’d like to learn about surgical treatment options for your collapsed disc, contact USA Spine Care. Our team can provide a free MRI review* to help you determine if you’re a candidate for our minimally invasive outpatient surgery.

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