View Single Post
Old 01-13-2012, 12:11 PM   #2
teteri66 teteri66 is offline
Senior Veteran
(female)
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 5,288
teteri66 HB Userteteri66 HB Userteteri66 HB Userteteri66 HB Userteteri66 HB Userteteri66 HB Userteteri66 HB Userteteri66 HB Userteteri66 HB Userteteri66 HB Userteteri66 HB User
Re: Bed/Mattress Suggestions for Back Issues - Herniated Disc

I know some people claim sleeping in a recliner is helpful to them, but my physical therapist, who works exclusively for my spine surgeon, is not a fan. For almost all people, they do not support the spine in the right places, and can make some situations worse.

I do not have a recommendation for a mattress, but it is very important to have proper support.

I just wanted to suggest that while you are waiting for your doctor's appointment, you might want to take NSAIDs (if your body tolerates them) for inflammation and use ice or a cold gel pack. You can ice 15-20 minutes per hour, round the clock, if need be. It will help with any inflammation and should help make you a bit more comfortable.

You might want to give yourself a couple days' break from your exercises, and just take small, gentle walks to keep the blood flowing. You could also try using a heating pad over the lower back, if you find this more comforting than ice. Sometimes people alternate heat with ice and get some relief that way.