Connect
Adjustable bed for neck pain
I have terrible pain in my neck due to herniated discs, stenosis, arthritis, etc, etc. I’ve had 3 injections, none of which worked, rounds of physical therapy, and take pain meds and muscle relaxants daily. The mornings are the worst so almost daily I get in a very hot Epsom salt infused bath. I see a chiro doc regularly. And I’ve tried a couple of different pillows that are recommended for these conditions. I’m obviously trying everything I can to avoid surgery. The thought of surgery on my neck, so close to my spine scares me. But I’m also dealing with a rare form of cancer that’s taking precedence.
So! I wondered if anyone in this group had an adjustable bed. And if so, has it helped. I can fall asleep sitting straight up on the couch and it doesn’t make my neck hurt, but it seems that lying in bed with that pressure on my neck is making things worse. It would be an expensive purchase, but worth it if it helped.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.
Connect
@phyllisden
I do not have an adjustable bed but have cervical/lumbar stenosis, degenerative disc disease and arthritis. I have used a cervical pillow and it has helped. I never got injections in my neck but did in my lower back and they helped (they need to be exactly where the source of pain is and will only help if there is inflammation behind the pain). My spine specialist said never to do chiropractor adjustments on your neck if you have any central stenosis compressing your spinal cord.
What levels do you have compression and is your spinal cord being impacted? My surgeon did ACDF surgery on my c5-c6 because my spinal cord was being compressed/flattened and injured. This can cause permanent injury to spinal cord and nerve roots/nerves so I got the surgery to prevent further damage/injury). I had headaches/neck and shoulder pain, difficulty writing and holding things (arms/hands weak), difficulty walking and problems with bladder control all tied to my neck. I am so glad I got the surgery and made sure I found a reputable and highly recommended surgeon based on online reviews of patients. The surgery actually wasn’t too bad and stopped the injury to my spinal cord (I am now 55).
Have you tried different size and cushion pillows and a wedge that can prop you up in bed in 2 different angles (lower for sleeping and higher for sitting up in bed)? I bought my wedge recently from Amazon for my lumbar spine surgery/recovery. The wedge may help you determine before spending a lot of money if lying in bed propped up makes it less painful to sleep. I have read that it is hard to get in/out of an adjustable bed and someone on Mayo told me they had many spine surgeries and couldn’t sleep in their adjustable bed. They ended up on their recliner most of the time.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello,
My husband and I purchased the adjustable baseboard that is sold by beautyrest. It goes under a regular mattress and it automatically adjusts the height. It also comes with a nightlight that’s under the baseboard, which is nice when you’re getting up to go to the bathroom at night. I really enjoy the elevation. It also elevates your feet. I just had an episode of vertigo and it helped me tremendously. You can go on their website or to a mattress store and find it much more affordable than those adjustable beds. The only problem is your partner will have to be at the same level as you. If that’s a problem, then you’ll have to get the two twins for the king. My in-laws had that so many years ago and absolutely loved it. The technology has come along way. I hope this helps …if anything go to the showroom and try it out. They also have a policy where you can send it back, good luck with your neck. I don’t know what area you are in. My son-in-law is a spine surgeon at Rothman in Philadelphia. They have some excellent doctors there.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI don’t have your symptoms, but love my adjustable bed. I got mine free when I bought my mattress. The mattress was a good deal and so getting a free base was a real deal. I’ll send you s message of the name of the company in case you want to explore it.
Hi there - I fully understand your position. I am 21 months post op for a 3 level neck surgery - like you I tried everything possible. Prior to having the procedure.
However , I can tell you the adjustable bed is a lifesaver as well as the COOP crescent pillow. Best of luck to you and sending you healing thoughts 🙏
I have an adjustable sleep number bed. I love it. After fracturing and dislocating my hip I could not sleep with a bed with oils. My neurologist wrote me a prescription for one so I will not have to pay taxes.
@phyllisden I have an adjustable bed and while it helps tremendously with my GERD, it has not done anything for my cervical stenosis. Still experimenting with different pillows but nothing has worked yet.
Someone on Mayo Connect (another thread) suggested a buckwheat (soba) pillow but I don’t relish the idea of having “seeds” scrunching around - I am sensitive to sound of any kind, as well as touch. lol. The poster loves it, though!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you all for your responses! I have to say, I’m leaning more towards getting an adjustable bed. Even though it might not be what I need for my neck, those of you that have them seem very pleased with your purchases.
Thanks again for your help.
@phyllisden
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI also have a sleep number.....it's the biggest mattress you can get as the advertised prices are for the lower inch ones. I also have the adjustable base and I have a pillow top on top of the matress. We love our bed. It's a King size split so I never ever feel my husband get up several times a night. I have back issues, and this helped immensely when I had my knee replacement as I could put my leg up while I slept. I can't say enough about them and we each have our own setting.
@phyllisden yes, an adjustable bed is great and I don’t think you will regret it. If you get one make sure it has a wireless remote and raises the head as well as the legs. I got mine at Amazon and it is made by Blissful Nights and it was so easy to set up (but heavy to bring in from front door to bedroom since I and my husband are short!) - just like it shows in the video. Mattress was not included but that was fine because I wanted to choose my own mattress anyway.
This is the Canadian link, but I am sure if you are in the States you can find it on the American Amazon site for a lot less - you also probably could get it from the company itself which I think is based in California - it was shipped free from there to me. Note that the bed frame and headboard shown in the picture are not included. Just the adjustable bed - but that alone is a good price.
https://www.amazon.ca/Blissful-Nights-Adjustable-Wireless-Required/dp/B07CQ6J7K1/ref=sr_1_5_mod_primary_new?crid=RL1ZKAM8125V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.no9KJQsElYWNTLs3PYbb1N_hOTOApmO0OQvbn3omNqr2cQztF3UpFObyxIuH7kPPyeocvwXlEcF-o-wLmE1tkgoS5j-MAf5ZNjQ_Qs2LujxIGZ_xXVx8waHxLwp1D6NN33akkqjVNDFyD_YQ0im6g9MwndiTtXuRyyKzA2IMoaSxoLlsR2wuBg_AFYe9fM1sYl5jKmkmG1s28TpsU4zMwG7RRHJFei7rptEUjRqmXOR1aAb1WvzrET-VrPFtuUU0O9yC-LNrRmaAUYab8sizFRllKU_NcgAG3c97NK7eRIE.7xOw1VtgtRjIPQ39bxmAbcF0htSE9EkmFoBdZHStss8&dib_tag=se&keywords=blissful%2Bnights%2Badjustable%2Bbed&qid=1724089725&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=Blissful%2BNights%2B%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-5&th=1
Wow. Thanks @rashida.