Cervical disc herniation is a common condition that can cause neck and arm pain. Many people who suffer from this condition experience pain that increases at night. The cause of this pain can be attributed to a variety of factors including increased pressure on the nerve roots, changes in posture during sleep and reduced circulation to the affected area. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at cervical disc herniation and explore why it may hurt more at night. We’ll also discuss some treatment options that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.
Cervical disc herniation occurs when one of the discs in the spine located between each vertebra becomes damaged and bulges out of its proper alignment. This can place pressure on the nerve roots that branch out from the spinal cord and cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the neck, arms, and hands. The pain associated with cervical disc herniation can vary in intensity and duration, but many people report that it is worse at night.
One reason cervical disc herniation may hurt more at night is simply because of how we sleep. Sleeping in certain positions can place extra pressure on the neck and spine, exacerbating existing pain and discomfort. For example, sleeping on your stomach can cause your neck to twist and turn in a way that puts undue stress on the spinal discs and nerve roots. Similarly, sleeping on your back can sometimes cause your head to tilt forward, creating an unfavorable angle for the neck and causing pain.
Another reason cervical disc herniation may hurt more at night is because of reduced circulation to the affected area. During the day, our body is more active, which means that blood is flowing more freely throughout our body, including to the neck and spine. At night, however, when we are lying down in bed, blood flow may be restricted due to the lack of movement. This reduced circulation can cause pain and discomfort to intensify, particularly in areas affected by cervical disc herniation.
In addition, the brain’s natural pain killers, endorphins, are at their lowest levels during the early hours of the morning. This lack of endorphins can cause pain to be felt more intensely.
To treat cervical disc herniation, physiotherapy and chiropractic care are two effective options. Physiotherapy involves exercises and stretches that can help restore flexibility and strength to the neck and spine. Chiropractic care involves manual adjustments to the spine that can help relieve pressure on the nerve roots and reduce pain and discomfort.
Cervical disc herniation can be a painful and debilitating condition for many people, particularly at night. However, with the right treatment options, such as physiotherapy and chiropractic care, it is possible to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. By understanding why cervical disc herniation may hurt more at night, patients can take steps to improve their sleep and reduce their pain so they can lead a more comfortable and satisfying life.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
