The best sleeping position to reduce your back pain after surgery is either on your back with your knees bent and a pillow under your knees or on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs. If side sleeping provides the most benefit, then make sure your legs rest on top of each other with your knees bent or have your top leg slightly forward.
Avoid resting your top knee on the bed and sleeping with your arms under your neck and head. A pillow placed behind the body and tucked under the back and hips can help you from rolling out of this position. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended when recovering with back pain.
Getting Into Bed
- Sit on the edge of your bed.
- Use your arms to lower your body so that you are laying down on your side.
- Bring your feet up onto the bed at the same time. Then move into your comfortable position.
Sleeping On Back
Start by placing a pillow under your knees and neck/head for support. You can also place a roll around wait your waist area.
Sleeping On Side
Start by placing a pillow between your knees. You can use a pillow under your neck/head for support. You can also place a roll around wait your waist area.
Log Roll When Getting Out of Bed
To reduce back pain discomfort, always use the log roll when turning. A log roll means to keep your back straight and avoid twisting when rolling from side to side and onto your back.
The log roll can also be used for getting in and out of bed.
- If getting out of bed on the right side – log roll onto your right side.
- Use your left hand to push yourself up onto your right elbow.
- Slowly drop your lower legs off the bed as you push yourself up onto your right hand and into a sitting position.
- Scoot to the edge of the bed and place both feet on the floor.
- Use your legs and not your back to come to a standing position.
Disclaimer – All information is for educational pursuit and information purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding their medical condition, diagnosis, procedures, treatment plan, or other health related topics.
