Why Do I Wake Up With Back Pain?

You probably know the feeling….. you wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, but once you start moving, you feel a shooting pain up or maybe down your back. There are many reasons why your back is hurting in the morning, here are a few of the most common:

You May Be Sleeping Incorrectly

One of the most common causes of back and neck pain is due to your sleeping posture. Poor sleeping positions can put pressure on your spine which can cause back strain and uncomfortable pressure on your joints. We spend approximately one-third of every day sleeping. Make sure you are sleeping in a position that maintains the natural curve your your spine. This means that stomach sleeping is not the best position. Stomach sleeping can cause neck pain, back pain, and even headaches. Try to sleep on either your side or our back. If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees. If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees. The pillow helps give your spine the best chance to maintain its natural curve and relax while you sleep.

It May Be Time To Get A New Mattress

There are many different types of mattresses from pillow-top to firm. They all offer different types of comfort and support. People who use the medium-firm mattress have less back pain compared to those who use too firm or too soft. In addition, it is important to purchase a new mattress every 10 years according to mattress research studies. Mattress wear over time from use. They also develop body impressions, depressions in the mattress, which affect the comfort of the mattress. It is also important to use a pillow that supports your neck to ensure the best sleep and rest.

Pregnancy

Back pain during pregnancy is extremely common, and some women experience back pain as early as eight weeks into their pregnancy. Unfortunately, after sleeping for a long period of time at night, the lower back pain can be worse in the morning causing increased stiffness and muscle tightness. The best way to reduce the pain and discomfort is to try stretching and try warm compresses.

Disc Degeneration

Degenerative Disc Disease is a natural result of aging of the body and typically occurs without a triggering event. The conditions results when the spinal discs between your vertebrae begin to deteriorate. This causes intense pain and discomfort that may be worse in the morning. There are a variety of treatments for Disc degeneration including steroidal injections to relieve pain or pain medication.

Solutions

Back pain in the morning is fairly common. Usually it goes away after you move around for a while. However, if you begin to have back pain every morning your pain may be a result of a bad mattress or an underlying medical condition. If you notice your pain getting worse, consult a doctor to determine if there is a more serious medical issue causing your pain.