Resting on the side of the hurting joint can make SJP worse. Instead, lying on the back or propping the body up with pillows, such as placing one between the legs, eases SJP.
The conjunction of the sacroiliac joins the spine with the pelvis. As with any joint, injury either to the joint or to the surrounding structures may result in SJP, which is characteristically located in the lower back and buttocks and can radiate down the back of the thigh as far as the knee.
SJP may be worse at night, especially when someone is lying on the side of the joint that hurts or if they make sudden movements during the night. Following specific nightly routines paired with certain sleep positions may help to alleviate discomfort.
This text discusses the influence of sleeping posture on SJP, explaining the reasons behind the worsening of SJP at night, offering strategies for nighttime SJP relief, and providing guidance on seeking medical advice.
Do sleep positions affect sacroiliac joint pain?
Sacroiliac joint injury often prevents individuals from sleeping on the affected side because of the discomfort, according to trusted sources. Based on the recommendation from the Weill Cornell Medicine Centre for Comprehensive Spine Care, individuals who suffer from SJP in a single joint should not sleep on the side where the joint is affected. They suggest sleeping on the back or with the affected side facing up. Rather, it advises sleeping with the affected side up or in a back orientation.
The sleep-related sacroiliac joint pain (SJP) can also be minimised by the following additional methods:
Avoid quick and sudden shifts: Sudden changes like getting up or rotation of the body can compress the joint space, leading to an increase in pain.
Utilise pillows as aids: While resting in a supine position or lateral recumbent position, putting a pillow under the knees or between the legs aids in decreasing strain on the joints.
Rest on a mattress that can adequately support the body: Individuals with SJP could benefit from having a mattress that, while firm, is not too rigid or too soft. Softer mattresses can worsen poor joint support.
What could explain increased pain from the sacroiliac joint during sleep?
Sacroiliac joint inflammation refers to the joint condition with swollen joints. A Trusted Source review of 2018 explains that sacroiliitis is common with insomnia and results in inflammation that triggers stiffness or limited mobility in the body and pain after sleep.
Based on a study, joint/related pain worsens due to lack of movements; turning in bed is another movement that has been singled out. These two unique movement patterns provide the answers as to why some joint/related pains worsen while sleeping.
Additional strategies for alleviating SI joint pain during the night
Aside from modifying sleep positions, there are several other actions a person can take to alleviate symptoms of SI joint pain (SJP) that go beyond managing sleep schedules.
Three primary nonpharmacological treatments for SJP have been compiled. These treatments may be especially helpful for those who experience worsening symptoms at night.
Exercises for the transversus abdominis muscle
The NHS provides the following detailed guidance for transversus abdominis muscle exercises.
Chiropractic manipulation
A 2020 study reported that high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation may be helpful for individuals with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and chronic pain.
In this form of manipulation, a chiropractor applies their hands to perform a brisk, short thrust over the relevant joint to help restore its range of movements.
Taping in kinesiology
Using a thin, flexible tape, kinesiology taping helps with the following without limiting movement:
Kinesiology tape is breathable, waterproof, and free of latex. Wearing it through the night can help reduce SJP at night, and it can be worn for up to three days at a time. For guidance on using kinesiology tape to support the sacroiliac joints, one can consult a physician or physiotherapist.
When to consult a physician
Sacroiliitis may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so people with SJP or other symptoms affecting the joints should see a doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Some conditions that may affect the sacroiliac joints include:
If someone has any of the following symptoms, the NHS advises seeing a doctor about joint pain:
If someone exhibits symptoms of an infection, such as fever or swelling or warmth around the joint, they should get medical attention right away.
Summary
In summary, the pelvis and base of the spine are joined by the sacroiliac joints. The lower back and buttocks are the usual locations for sacroiliac joint pain (SJP). Some people may feel pain that radiates to their knee and foot from the back of their thigh.
SJP can be lessened by sleeping on one’s back with a pillow under one’s legs. Another way to support hip and spine alignment for side sleepers with SJP affecting one side is to sleep on the unaffected side with a pillow between the legs.
Other treatment options include transversus abdominis muscle exercises, chiropractic manipulation, and kinesiology taping. Anyone with symptoms of SJP should see their doctor for additional treatment and a proper diagnosis.
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