Getting a good night’s rest can be tough sometimes. This is particularly true if you have degenerative disc disease (DDD), a condition characterized by the age-related degeneration of the spine’s cushioning discs. When these discs — which feature a gel-like core and fibrous outer shell — begin to break down, it can trigger unpleasant symptoms like pain and stiffness, and may also lead to nerve compression that can cause numbness and tingling sensations throughout the body.

Sleeping soundly with degenerative disc disease

First and foremost, it’s important to speak with your physician if degenerative disc disease symptoms are impacting your sleep and overall quality of life. He or she will be able to provide individualized suggestions based on your specific diagnosis and symptoms. In general, though, the following tips help many people with degenerative disc disease fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer:

• Try sleeping on your side. This may not be ideal for everyone, but sleeping on your side can help relieve pain from strained and tense back muscles. Be sure to avoid curling up in a fetal position, though.
• Place a pillow in between your knees. This will help preserve the natural curvature of your spine as you sleep.
• Do a few bedtime stretches. Gently stretching your hamstring, neck and back muscles can help you sleep more soundly. Try performing the “happy baby” stretch, a seated side stretch or whatever feels good to you before bed.
• Invest in a good mattress. Purchasing a new mattress may not be on the top of your to-do list, but it should be if you have degenerative disc disease symptoms and your current mattress has begun to sag. Sleeping on a mattress that properly supports the natural curvature of your spine can help relieve pain and help you fall asleep faster.

Surgical treatment for degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease treatment usually involves conservative methods like physical therapy and low-impact exercise. However, some patients may require surgical care to relieve nerve compression or stabilize the spine. In these instances, USA Spine Care offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open spine operations. Our procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and require a less than 1-inch incision, allowing for less scarring and shorter recovery times when compared to traditional open spine approaches.^

Contact USA Spine Care today to discover more about our minimally invasive treatment options for degenerative disc disease symptoms. If you’re ready to learn if you’re a candidate for our procedures, ask us how to receive a free MRI review.*

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