Lying Down

Lying Down

Lying down puts the least pressure on your spine. To keep the three curves of your spine in their balanced position, lie on your back or your side-not on your stomach. Choose only a firm mattress or firm couch. Use soft pillows to support your neck and legs. You can also put a pillow, rolled-up towel, or lumbar roll under your lower back.

To Lie on Your Back

Put a pillow under your neck and under your knees, or keep your knees bent.

To Lie on Your Side

Bend your knees toward your chest. Place a pillow between your knees and under your head and neck. When you change positions, brace your abdominal muscles and logroll.

To Sit Up

• Brace your abdominal muscles and logroll onto your side.
• Slowly scoot to the edge of the bed.
• Carefully push your body up with one elbow and the opposite hand. At the same time, gently swing your legs to the floor. Keep your ears, shoulders, and hips in line and your abdominal muscles braced.

To lie down, do the reverse.

EXERCISES

Strengthening your abdominal and buttocks muscles helps create a natural brace for your spine. Here are two easy exercises you can do lying down. Try them while resting or before you go to sleep.

Buttocks Squeeze

• Lie on your back with your spine balanced.
• Squeeze your buttocks muscles together and count to 5. Relax.
• Repeat 10 times, several times a day.

Partial Sit-up

CAUTION: DO NOT do this exercise until your doctor or physical therapist says you can.

• Lie on your back with your spine balanced and your knees bent. Brace your abdominal muscles and squeeze your buttocks muscles together.
• Reach your hands toward your thighs and lift your shoulders off the bed. Work up to holding for one minute, several times a day. As you get stronger, fold your arms across your chest.

TIPS

Dressing

You may find it easier to pull on and take off socks, slacks, and underwear while lying on your back. Bend your knees and raise one leg at a time. A dressing reacher may also help. Wear loose-fitting clothes and slip-on shoes for the first weeks.

Having Sex

Ask your doctor or physical therapist how soon you can have sex. You may be able to have it sooner than you'd think. The key is finding comfortable positions that don't require a lot of movement. Side-lying positions may be more comfortable, since you won't bear any weight. If you lie on your back, put small pillows or rolled towels under your neck and lower back to support your spine. Avoid arching your back.

This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. © 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030. www.krames.com 800-333-3032. All right reserved.