Do you wake up feeling stiff and sore instead of refreshed and rested? Getting out of bed with lower back pain is a difficult way to start the day.
What could be causing your lower back pain after sleeping? What can you do to reduce and treat lower back pain? Should you see a doctor for lower back pain?
Your Sleeping Position
Unsurprisingly, the way we sleep can affect the condition of our backs. Everyone has their preferred sleeping position, but some positions can do more harm than good.
To avoid inflicting lower back pain, avoid sleeping on your stomach. Laying on your stomach places undue pressure on your spine.
“This stress on the spine leads to increased stress on the rest of your body structure and, additionally, to pain in all parts of the body, since the spine could be considered as a pipeline for the nerves,” explains Sleep Advisor. “It also leads to sensations such as numbness and tingling, which are rather uncomfortable.”
Try sleeping on your back or your side. Take the pressure off your knees by placing a pillow underneath them when sleeping on your back or between them when sleeping on your side.
Whatever position you choose, be careful to keep your spine aligned and in a neutral position. Selecting a proper mattress can help promote good spine alignment.
Your Mattress
If you are otherwise healthy but still experiencing lower back pain when you wake up, it may be due to your mattress.
“A springy old mattress can make back pain worse. But a super-firm mattress may not be the best solution either,” advises Reid Health. “Medium-firm mattresses are usually a good bet. Replace your mattress every eight years for optimal firmness or get a mattress topper for support when it starts to sag.”
Mattresses can be expensive, but waking up without pain is worth the investment. Ask your chiropractor for recommendations on what type of bed may be best for your back.
Underlying Health Problems
Some patients experience back pain due to injury, such as auto accidents and sports injuries. Others cope with chronic back pain because of underlying health problems.
Conditions related to back pain include:
- Herniated discs
- Strained muscles
- Sciatica
- Degenerated discs
- Arthritis (such as Ankylosing Spondylitis)
- Sprained ligaments
- Compressed nerves
If you suspect you have an underlying medical condition linked to back pain, seek professional medical attention for a diagnosis.
How to Reduce Lower Back Pain
Thankfully, there are several things you can do to reduce lower back pain. Incorporating healthful habits into your daily routine can help improve your back and overall well-being.
Here’s what you can do to reduce lower back pain:
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Apply cold and/or heat therapy
- Stretch daily
- Consume a vitamin and nutrient-rich diet
- Sit and stand with proper posture
- Wear supportive shoes
Read our article on Tips for Alleviating Back Pain for more information.
Treatments for Lower Back Pain - Irving, Texas Chiropractor
If your back does not stop hurting on its own after a couple of days, consider seeking professional treatment.
With award-winning care from the clinical team at Spine Health & Wellness, you can explore your treatment options and get the help you need to heal. Through physical therapy, spinal decompression, and other methods, we can help you recover.
Get in touch to request an appointment or schedule a telehealth assessment from the comfort of your home.