Posture to help Pinched Nerve

Q. I would like to know what is the best posture (sitting and sleeping) to alleviate the pain I'm presently experiencing as a result of a pinched nerve in the 3rd, 4th and 5th lumbar of my spine.

I've been prescribed Naprosyn for the next 10 days and while it's helping I have a hard time finding a comfortable sitting and sleeping position.

Anything you can suggest that would avoid my sitting at the computer for a long time to check this out, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your help.

A. The term "pinched nerve" is actually a layman's term indicating either tingling, numbness or pain. Since this is not really a medical term, it can describe many different diagnostic entities.

Nerves can get "caught" in the vertebrae as they exit the spinal cord (spinal stenosis) or in between muscles such as common in the brachial plexus of the shoulder or piriformis in the buttocks.

Depending on the diagnostic entity causing the nerve pressure, the recommended postures will differ.

Often "extension postures" - such as sitting with a towel roll behind your back, can help to alleviate the pressure on the nerves. If sitting is an issue for you, you might want to experiment with a lumbar roll or back cushion behind you so that you are sitting "in extension" rather than flexion.

Making sure your computer/keyboard is at the right height so that you are not leaning forward will help as well. Then a strengthening program that supports the postures will help keep you in place.

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