After orthopedic surgery, you’re excited to get back to your daily routine without the pain of your previous injury or diagnosis holding you back. But gaining complete mobility takes time, and it’s important to take care of your body by getting enough good sleep to achieve a full, speedy recovery.
Read on to learn how to sleep comfortably and soundly through the night while also protecting the results of your spinal or hip surgery.
Sleeping After Orthopedic Surgery
Spinal Surgery
A variety of sleeping positions and techniques can help reduce the pain you might experience during sleep after spinal surgery. The Johns Hopkins Spine Service recommends decreasing the pressure on your spine during sleep by lying on your back with a pillow placed underneath your knees, or on your side with a pillow between the knees.
Putting other pillows under your back and hips and behind your neck can help prevent you from rolling around during sleep and potentially injuring your back. It is also advised that you do not sleep on your stomach.
It’s also important to use the log roll technique when moving around during sleep or getting in and out of bed. This method requires that you keep your back straight and use the support of your elbows, hands, and legs to avoid twisting your body while turning over, standing up, or sitting down on the bed.
Hip Surgery
The best position for sleeping after hip surgery is on your back with a pillow positioned between your knees to provide ample hip support. It will also help you avoid crossing your legs during sleep. You can sleep comfortably and safety on your side, as long as a pillow or other support is between your knees.
Other sleep positions are not recommended and are potentially dangerous because they can require you to twist your legs and cause dislocation. Sleeping on your stomach, on your back with a pillow underneath your knees, and without pillows between your knees are not advisable sleeping positions. Learn more about our orthopedic surgeons in Jacksonville now.
Consider Orthopedic Surgery at Carolinas Center for Surgery
Along with medications and instructions from your orthopedic surgeon, it’s important to pay attention to your sleeping positions so that you don’t cause further damage after orthopedic surgery. A comfortable and safe night’s sleep will fill you with the energy to get you back on your feet sooner.
If you’re in need of orthopedic surgery in Jacksonville, Morehead City, or Swansboro, North Carolina, schedule an appointment with Carolinas Center for Surgery. Call (252) 247-2101 for more information today. Our orthopedic experts are leaders in their field; learn more about the best orthopedic surgeons in Jacksonville, NC.