Key Takeaways
- Correct sleeping positions help you avoid pain and complications while getting enough rest for a faster, complication-free recovery.
- To prepare for sleep after surgery, consider a new mattress and supportive pillows.
- The best sleeping position is on your back for a few weeks after surgery, transitioning to your side in the late stages of recovery.
- Your surgeon will advise you on returning to your normal sleeping position.
Why Sleep Matters After Cervical Spine Surgery
Getting enough sleep is always important for a healthy lifestyle. It boosts your mood, improves your focus, and strengthens your immune system. It is even more important after surgery, when sleep assists with tissue repair for a smoother healing process.
The challenge arises when the results from surgery affect your ability to sleep normally. Cervical spine surgery involves incisions on your neck. These are covered with a bandage to prevent bleeding and infection. When sleeping, you may accidentally pull at the stitches or shift the dressing. In addition, incorrect positioning can create stress at the surgery site, slowing the spinal fusion process or even encouraging bones to heal incorrectly.
For all these reasons, it’s essential to learn how to sleep after neck surgery. The correct sleep position allows you to get the rest you need while preventing pain, helping the spine heal more quickly, and reducing the likelihood of complications.
Getting Ready for Cervical Surgery
When anticipating a neck surgery, taking steps in advance can help you sleep more soundly later. The following measures help you prepare for sleeping after neck surgery:
- New mattress: If your mattress is old, then consider replacing it before surgery. A newer, firmer mattress will provide better support for your spine.
- More pillows: Extra pillows prop you up when sleeping, ensuring that your spine rests in the correct position to minimize stress and encourage healing.
- Neck collar: A neck collar supports your head, holding your spine in place and preventing you from nodding in your sleep. Wearing one also reduces pain.
While these purchases are not required, they make a big difference in relieving pain while recovering from neck surgeries, such as laminectomy, discectomy, or disc replacement.
How to Sleep After Cervical Spine Surgery
When sleeping after surgery, position matters. The wrong position creates excess pressure on your neck and lower back, causing pain and delays in your healing process. We recommend the following positions for maximum comfort:
- Back: The best sleeping position for the first one to three weeks is on your back. Use an orthopedic pillow under your head to minimize movement. Place a second pillow under your knees to make sure your thoracic spine is adequately supported.
- Side: After three to six weeks, you may transition into side sleeping. Make sure your pillow is not too thick or flat. You may wish to place a pillow between your knees for comfort. Avoid rolling onto your stomach, which can cause serious complications.
Many patients may also find relief while sleeping upright in a recliner. Use a small pillow to support your lower back and a U-shaped pillow for your neck. Make sure you are reclined slightly backward to avoid slumping forward.
Other Considerations for Sleep
You are likely used to getting out of bed very casually. After surgery, however, careless movements can cause serious injury. You may need to learn a new method to get up or change positions without pain.
Log rolling is the safest way to move around while in bed. Tuck your arms to one side, then roll to the edge of the bed. Use your elbow to prop yourself up while lowering both legs to the ground. Once you are sitting upright, stand up slowly and hold your head carefully to prevent extreme movements.
Learn More About Recovery After Neck Surgery at NU-Spine
While neck surgery may require a lengthy recovery, the results are often worth it. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleeping After Neck Surgery
How long do I have to sleep on my back after cervical surgery?
You should sleep on your back for one to two weeks after surgery.
Is it safe to sleep without my neck brace after cervical surgery?
It is strongly recommended that you sleep with your neck brace on.
Can I ever sleep on my stomach again after neck surgery?
Yes, you can sleep on your stomach once you are fully healed.