From the Research
For disc protrusions, the best position is typically lying on your back with your knees bent and supported by pillows, which helps reduce pressure on the spine and relieve symptoms. This position, known as the semi-supine or 90-90 position (90 degrees at hips and knees), allows the spine to maintain its natural curve while minimizing stress on the protruding disc. Some key points to consider when managing disc protrusions include:
- Side-lying with a pillow between the knees is another beneficial position, as it helps maintain spinal alignment and reduces pressure on the affected area 1.
- When sitting is necessary, use a chair with good lumbar support and maintain proper posture with feet flat on the floor.
- Avoid positions that increase disc pressure, such as prolonged sitting, forward bending, and heavy lifting.
- These recommendations work by decreasing intradiscal pressure, reducing nerve compression, and allowing the disc material to potentially retract.
- Movement is also important, so gentle position changes throughout the day can help prevent stiffness while promoting healing.
- If pain persists despite positional modifications, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and potential treatments, such as epidural steroid injections, which have been shown to be effective in managing discogenic pain due to protrusion 2, 3. In terms of treatment, a combined approach including mechanical physiotherapy, gabapentin, and transforaminal epidural injections may be effective in managing sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation 1. Additionally, pregabalin and gabapentin have been shown to be equally effective in reducing pain in lumbar radiculopathy patients who underwent transforaminal epidural steroid injection 4. Overall, the goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life, and the most effective approach will depend on the individual patient's needs and circumstances.