How to Get Out of Bed with Sciatica Back Pain

Last updated on May 1st, 2024 at 11:57 am

People who suffer from sciatica often find it difficult to get out of bed due to the pain that can be aggravated during the process. Knowing the correct way to get in and out of bed with back pain is crucial to the healing process of sciatica. Getting in or out the wrong way can worsen internal damage and hinder recovery.

This article will discuss the safest and least painful way for people with sciatica pain to get out of bed.

How to get out of bed with sciatica

In my 12 years of physiotherapy career, I have seen lots of sciatica sufferers complaining of lower back pain when getting out of bed because of little or no knowledge about the proper way of getting in and out of bed.

If you are a sciatica sufferer, you must learn this process, and I would insist you read this article till the end to get the most out of it. But I would also make a point that there are other factors you must take care of, like you:

• Sleep in proper back pain sleeping position.
• You should also understand your sciatica back pain,
• The proper way to use a lumbar belt for better care.

So, without delay, let’s jump to the exact way a sciatica sufferer should manoeuvre in and out of bed to avoid exaggerating the pain.

Proper way of getting out of bed with sciatica

Improper ways of getting out of bed and getting into bed can aggravate sciatica pain. Follow these easy-to-follow steps to prevent this.
Usually, while getting out of bed, we first come to the sitting position, slide down the legs on the side sides, and then stand. But this usual way is not advisable for sciatica getting out of bed.
Sciatica patients should always get out of bed from the side opposite to the sciatica-affected side. For example, if you are suffering from right-side sciatica, you would have to get down from the bed from your left side.

Step 1

First, come to the side-lying on your left side from whatever position you are sleeping.

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Step 2

Then, slowly bend your hip and knee and bring them to the edge of the bed. Do it carefully so that no pain is illicit during the movement.

Step 3

Now, slowly lift your body using your left shoulder and elbow. At the same time, lower your legs from the bed, slowly come down to the sitting position and then stand. The same three steps you can follow if you are suffering from left-side sciatica.

Getting into bed

To get into the bed, follow precisely the reverse steps we discussed. Here are detailed instructions to help you ease your sciatica pain:

• Step 1: Sit comfortably on the bed without sudden movements that may cause discomfort in your lower back.
• Step 2: Slowly lower your trunk to the left side while supporting it with your arm and forearms. At the same time, gradually lift both legs and keep them straight. This will help to stretch your lower back muscles and provide much-needed relief to your sciatic nerve.
• Step 3: Once comfortable, slowly come up to your elbow, bring your leg onto the bed, and then slowly lie down. This will help to ease the tension in your lower back and provide further relief to your sciatica.

These same steps can be followed for those suffering from right side sciatica. Remember to take it slow and listen to your body’s limits to avoid further injury or discomfort.

Final word

As I have mentioned earlier, this is one aspect of the road to recovery from sciatica. There are lot many things you need to take care of like the proper way of lifting, use of the lumbar belt, regular exercises, proper physiotherapy. 

This article is an extract from my book “Sciatica Relieved: Home Exercises and Tips That Actually Works”. You can get it from amazon by visiting here.

Why not full info on sciatica?

This article is an extract from my book “Sciatica Relieved“. You will find everything related to sciatica in this book. If you are a sciatica sufferer, I would highly recommend getting it as soon as possible. Visit this link now.

Keep Reading: Sciatica Pain Relief: Dummies Guide that Actually Works

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Sunit. S. Ekka

Dr Sunit Sanjay Ekka is a physiotherapist in practice for the last 15 years. He has done his BPT from one of the premium Central Government physiotherapy colleges, ie, SVNIRTAR. The patient is his best teacher and whatever he gets to learn he loves to share it on his Youtube channel and blog.