Surgery on your neck is really surgery on your spine, because your neck is the top seven bones of your spine. If this sounds a little scary to you, you’re not alone. If you have cervical neck surgery scheduled soon, you no doubt have quite a few questions. You need to give your body time to heal after surgery this serious. One of the most common questions patients like you ask is how to sleep comfortably after cervical neck surgery.
For most people, the first few days after spine surgery are going to be a little difficult. You may feel fatigued at times, have some level of pain, and struggle to do simple activities like walking, showering, and yes, sleeping. That doesn’t mean it isn’t important to do. In fact, it’s even more important to get great sleep after surgery than it is during a normal period in your life.
Sleeping Challenges After Cervical Neck Surgery
Lying on your back with a pillow underneath your knee is generally the best sleeping position after neck surgery. This provides the cervical and thoracic spine with much-needed support, easing your pain. It’s also important to keep your arms at your sides if possible. Lifting your arms over your neck and head can put pressure on your shoulders and neck. Do not interlock your fingers at the back of your head to increase support. This may cause uneven alignment of your spine and neck.
Because an incision was made around the cervical spine, you may be required to use an orthopedic pillow to reduce excessive movement. Additionally, many people find getting out of bed is difficult if they lie all the way down. It may help to sleep on a recliner or an adjustable bed base with the torso slightly raised.
Pillow Support
When you sleep, you'll need a sturdy pillow that supports your head and neck. Back pillows have firm, supportive designs that cushion your head while keeping your neck in place. Some have plush fabrics on one side and memory foam on the other so that you can support your neck as you heal and then enjoy comfort once you've recovered.
If you get hot during the night, cooling pillows help you relax without tossing and turning. These pillows have ventilation that increases airflow and transfers heat away from your body. Moisture-wicking pillows remove sweat and moisture so that you stay cool during the summer months.
Memory foam pillows are particularly useful because they conform to the shape of your body, keeping your spine straight as you sleep. Support foam pillows offer more firmness, while performance foam pillows offer pressure relief. The pliable foam keeps you comfortable and aligned long after you've recovered.
Whatever you choose, avoid old, misshapen or overly cushy pillows. Their weak structure might not support your head as you sleep, leading to soreness when you wake up. Avoid sleeping without a pillow after your surgery unless your doctor recommends otherwise. The lack of support could worsen your injuries. While you're at it, buy a firm pillow to place underneath your knees. Knee pillows offer elevation to keep your legs upright.
Mattress Support
If you have an old, cushy mattress that lacks support, consider upgrading before your surgery. Sleeping on a firm mattress with memory foam helps your body stay in shape. Weak mattresses allow your body to sink into the fabric, which could worsen your condition and encourage tossing and turning.
When you're worried about soreness, consider a mattress with cooling gel foam that relieves pressure. Other mattresses offer multiple foam layers for exceptional comfort, coolness and back support. Extra-firm mattresses are less plush than other varieties, but they offer the best pressure relief to soothe aching muscles.
If you sleep with a partner, adjustable beds allow you to lie flat on your back while they recline or sit upright. The frames come with remote control so that you can effortlessly adjust the shape. This could also make it easier for you to get out of bed after surgery.
Adjustable beds require compatible mattresses. They offer the same features as traditional mattresses, including memory foam and ventilation. However, unlike regular mattresses, they can bend to conform to the bed frame's shape. Choose from plush, firm and extra-firm levels that meet your medical needs and might reduce your recovery time.
Shop All MattressesWhat to Avoid When Sleeping After Cervical Neck Surgery
The neck is a sensitive and delicate part of the body with a complex internal structure. That’s why you need to be extra careful for the first few weeks during normal activities, even sleeping. One thing to avoid, perhaps above all others, is stomach sleeping. After cervical neck surgery, this sleeping position is dangerous and can cause you to develop neck complications. One reason this position is forbidden is because it poses a significant risk of making you dangerously twist your head when in a deep sleep. You want to recover as quickly as possible, so avoid this position at all costs.
Sleep Well and Heal Fast
Sleep is a top priority post-surgery, as it helps your body to heal. Learning how to sleep after cervical neck surgery and actually doing it are key to your recovery. With the right bedding essentials and the correct sleeping position, you’ll be healed and feeling better than before in no time at all.
