Pituitary Tumors

Delray Medical Center provides comprehensive diagnostic services and treatment for patients with pituitary tumors. Our team of specialists includes neurosurgeons, ear, nose & throat surgeons, endocrinologists, radiologists, pathologists and specially trained nurses.

Pituitary Gland

Tumors that begin formation in the pituitary gland are called pituitary tumors. The pituitary is a small gland that is located below the brain and above the nasal passages. The pituitary sits in a tiny bony space called the sella turcica.

The pituitary gland is connected directly to the hypothalamus. This connection provides the link between the brain and the endocrine system which facilitates in the creation of hormones. The pituitary gland is the gland that helps regulate the hormones that are created in the rest of the body. The pituitary gland has 2 parts, the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary.

Pituitary Tumor Formation

Most of the pituitary tumors that form are considered to be benign (non-cancerous) glandular tumors called pituitary adenomas. These tumors do not spread to other parts of the body, like other malignant cancers can do. Even though most pituitary tumors are benign, they have the ability to cause significant health problems because of their location near the brain. Many pituitary tumors secrete excess hormones which can cause problems for normal hormone function. While many pituitary tumors are benign, pituitary cancers (pituitary carcinomas) are considered to be very rare.

Treatment for Pituitary Tumors

Pituitary tumors are treated by using:

Surgery
Radiation therapy
Medicines that stop the tumor from making hormones

Surgical treatment of a pituitary tumor is necessary when the tumor compresses nerves and arteries at the base of the brain, or when the tumor causes loss of vision by putting pressure on optic nerves. There are two types of pituitary surgery including the minimally invasive endoscopic transsphenoidal approach and the transcranial approach, also known as craniotomy.

Top 5 Sleeping Positions for Back Pain

Dealing with back pain can be a hassle, especially at night. Back pain can make it difficult for you to find a comfortable sleeping position which may eventually lead to sleep deprivation or worse, a sleep disorder. Not to mention, some medications for back pain may also interfere with your sleep.

If you’re suffering from back pain, regardless if it’s caused by bad posture, stress, arthritis or any other medical condition, these five best sleeping positions for back pain can help you improve the quality of your sleep.

Sleeping Positions for Back Pain

1. Lying on your side in a fetal position
This position helps open the space between your spinal vertebrae, lessen tension on your discs and prevent the spine from curving backwards.

2. Lying on your back in a reclined position
Reclining helps reduce pressure on your spine and helps provide support on your back by creating an angle between your trunk and thighs.

3. Lying on your side with a pillow supporting your knees
The crucial part of this position is the pillow between your knees. It helps reduce lower back pain and helps keep proper spinal alignment.

4. Lying on your stomach with a pillow below your pelvis and lower abdomen
Patients who are suffering from degenerative disc disease may benefit most in this sleeping position as it can help reduce stress that rests on the space between the discs.

5. Lying flat on your back with a pillow underneath your knees
This position helps the back keep its natural curve, while distributing the body weight more evenly and reducing stress on the lumbar spine with the help of the pillow.

Takeaway

Back pain itself may already affect the quality of your day-to-day performance, especially if it’s the severe kind. But that doesn’t mean it has to take a toll on the quality and duration of your sleep, too. Each person is different, and your doctor may recommend one of these sleeping positions more than another for your specific type of pain. That in turn may help improve your sleep quality as well as help improve your cognitive performance, mood and energy levels, strengthen your immune system and help protect you from chronic diseases.

Sources:
Healthline
Sleep Foundation

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