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Why Does My Sciatica Get Worse At Night
Why Does My Sciatica Only Hurt At Night
Why Is The Pain From My Sciatica Worse At Night?
Sciatica is a type of pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which is the body's longest and widest nerve. It can cause lower back, buttock, and leg pain, numbness, and tingling.
Numerous individuals with sciatica report that their pain is worse at night, making it difficult to sleep. Sciatica pain may be worse at night for a variety of reasons, including increased pressure on the sciatic nerve when lying down, increased inflammation in the body, and certain sleeping positions.
In this article, we will discuss why sciatica pain may be worse at night and what can be done to alleviate the discomfort.
Why Does Sciatica Discomfort Worsen At Night?
There are numerous reasons why nighttime sciatica pain may be worse. One reason is that people are typically more active and mobile during the day, which can help relieve some of the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
At night, when a person is lying still and not moving, the pressure on the nerve may increase, resulting in a worsening of the pain.
The tendency of the body to produce more inflammation at night may also contribute to nighttime sciatica discomfort. Inflammation is a natural immune response to tissue damage or injury, but it can also cause pain and swelling. Nighttime inflammation may contribute to the aggravation of sciatica pain.
Moreover, certain sleeping positions may aggravate sciatica pain. For instance, sleeping on one's stomach can exert pressure on the lower back and exacerbate sciatica pain. Similarly, sleeping on a too-soft or too-hard mattress can cause or aggravate sciatica pain.
What Can Be Done to Relieve Nighttime Sciatica?
There are a number of things a person with sciatica can do to alleviate nighttime pain. Optionally, a firmer mattress or supportive foam topper can be added to the existing mattress. As improper alignment can contribute to lower back pain, it is also important to use a pillow that supports the neck and head in a neutral position.
Stretchg and strengthening the muscles of the lower back, buttocks, and legs can also help relieve sciatica pain. Physical therapists and chiropractors can recommend specific stretches and exercises that may be beneficial.
The use of heat or cold to treat sciatica pain may also be beneficial. A heating pad or warm shower can relax muscles and relieve pain, while an ice pack can reduce inflammation.
In some instances, over-the-counter or prescription medications may be required for sciatica pain management. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. In severe cases, a corticosteroid injection may be required to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
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Key Takeaways
Numerous individuals with sciatica report that their pain is worse at night, making it difficult to sleep. Sciatica pain may be worse at night for a variety of reasons, including increased pressure on the sciatic nerve when lying down, increased inflammation in the body, and certain sleeping positions. In this article, we will discuss why sciatica pain may be worse at night and what can be done to alleviate the discomfort.
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