What causes back pain when sleeping. How to choose the right mattress for back pain. Which sleep positions are best for preventing back pain. How pillows can help alleviate back pain during sleep. What lifestyle changes can reduce sleep-related back pain. How to create a sleep environment that supports spinal health. When to seek medical help for persistent back pain.

Understanding the Link Between Sleep and Back Pain

Back pain is an incredibly common issue, affecting up to 80% of people at some point in their lives. While many factors contribute to back pain, sleep plays a crucial role. The way we sleep, from our position to our choice of mattress and pillows, can significantly impact our spinal health and overall comfort.

The relationship between sleep and back pain is bidirectional. Not only can poor sleep posture lead to back pain, but existing back pain can also make it difficult to get a good night’s rest. This creates a vicious cycle that can be challenging to break without proper intervention and lifestyle changes.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Sleep and Back Pain

The global pandemic has exacerbated sleep-related back pain issues for many individuals. Disrupted routines, increased anxiety, and improper home office setups have all contributed to a rise in back and neck pain complaints. As we navigate this new normal, it’s more important than ever to prioritize proper sleep hygiene and ergonomics.

The Importance of a Neutral Spine During Sleep

One of the key factors in preventing sleep-related back pain is maintaining a neutral spine position throughout the night. But what exactly does this mean?

A neutral spine refers to the natural alignment of your vertebrae when there’s no significant bend or twist in your neck or back. This position helps distribute weight evenly across your spine, reducing pressure on specific areas and minimizing the risk of pain or discomfort.

Achieving a Neutral Spine in Different Sleep Positions

• Side sleeping: Place a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned.
• Back sleeping: Use a small pillow or rolled towel under your lower back to support the natural curve.
• Stomach sleeping: Place a thin pillow under your pelvis to reduce lower back strain.

It’s important to note that everyone’s body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Dr. Kelly Grimes, a physical therapist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of “body anthropometrics” – the individual variations in spine shape and flexibility that make each person’s optimal sleep position unique.

Choosing the Right Mattress for Back Pain Relief

When it comes to selecting a mattress that supports spinal health, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best mattress for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and any existing back conditions.

Firmness vs. Softness: Finding the Right Balance

While some people swear by firm mattresses for back pain relief, others find more comfort in softer, more moldable options like memory foam. Dr. Clark Smith, a neck and back pain medicine specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Och Spine, explains that the key is finding a mattress that allows your spine to remain in a neutral position throughout the night.

• Firm mattresses: Provide extra support and may be beneficial for those who need it.
• Soft mattresses: Can cause the spine to flex or extend, potentially exacerbating certain types of back pain.
• Medium-firm mattresses: Often provide a good balance of support and comfort for most people.

If you’re experiencing back pain with your current mattress, consider these options before investing in a new one:

1. Rotate your mattress to distribute wear more evenly
2. Add a mattress topper for additional support or cushioning
3. Experiment with different sleep positions to find what works best for you

The Role of Pillows in Spinal Alignment

Pillows play a crucial role in maintaining proper spinal alignment during sleep. The right pillow can help support your neck and keep your spine in a neutral position, while the wrong one can lead to misalignment and pain.

Choosing the Right Pillow for Your Sleep Position

• Stomach sleepers: Opt for a thin pillow to prevent neck strain
• Back sleepers: Choose a medium-thickness pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck
• Side sleepers: Use a thicker pillow to fill the gap between your shoulder and head

In addition to head pillows, strategic use of additional pillows can help support your spine in various sleep positions. For example, placing a pillow between your knees when side sleeping can help keep your hips aligned, reducing strain on your lower back.

Optimal Sleep Positions for Back Pain Relief

While there’s no universally “best” sleep position for everyone, certain positions tend to be more beneficial for those experiencing back pain. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions about your sleep posture.

Side Sleeping: The Most Spine-Friendly Position

For many people, side sleeping is the most comfortable and spine-friendly position. Dr. Smith suggests that lying on your side with a pillow between your knees or hugging a pillow can help achieve a neutral spine position for most individuals.

However, it’s important to note that side sleeping may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain conditions, such as hip bursitis or shoulder issues, may find this position uncomfortable.

Back Sleeping: Supporting Your Spine’s Natural Curve

Sleeping on your back can be beneficial for some people, particularly when using props to support the spine’s natural curve. Placing a pillow under your knees can help reduce pressure on your lower back, while a small rolled towel under the lumbar region can provide additional support.

Stomach Sleeping: Proceed with Caution

While stomach sleeping is generally considered the least spine-friendly position, some people find it comfortable. If you prefer this position, use a very thin pillow (or no pillow at all) for your head to minimize neck strain. Placing a small pillow under your pelvis can also help maintain a more neutral spine position.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Sleep-Related Back Pain

In addition to optimizing your sleep environment and position, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing back pain during sleep.

Exercise and Stretching

Regular exercise, particularly exercises that strengthen the core and improve flexibility, can help support your spine and reduce the risk of back pain. Consider incorporating the following into your routine:

• Yoga or Pilates
• Low-impact aerobic exercises like swimming or walking
• Strength training exercises focusing on the core and back muscles

Proper Ergonomics During the Day

How you sit and move during the day can impact your spine health at night. Ensure your work setup is ergonomically sound, with a chair that supports your lower back and a desk at the proper height. Take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and move around throughout the day.

Stress Management

Stress can contribute to muscle tension, which can exacerbate back pain. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as:

• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Regular relaxation time

When to Seek Professional Help for Back Pain

While many cases of sleep-related back pain can be addressed through lifestyle changes and proper sleep hygiene, there are times when professional help is necessary. But how do you know when it’s time to consult a healthcare provider?

Signs That Warrant Medical Attention

• Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with self-care measures
• Pain that radiates down one or both legs
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
• Weakness in the legs
• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel functions
• Fever accompanying back pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment options.

The Diagnostic Process

When you seek help for back pain, your healthcare provider will likely start with a thorough physical examination and medical history. They may ask questions about your sleep habits, daily activities, and any other symptoms you’re experiencing. In some cases, they may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to get a clearer picture of what’s going on with your spine.

Advanced Treatment Options for Chronic Back Pain

For those dealing with chronic back pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, there are several advanced options available. These should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course of action for your individual situation.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific back pain issues. This may include:

• Targeted exercises to strengthen supporting muscles
• Manual therapy techniques to improve mobility
• Education on proper body mechanics and posture
• Use of modalities like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation for pain relief

Minimally Invasive Procedures

In some cases, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended to address the source of back pain. These can include:

• Epidural steroid injections
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Spinal cord stimulation

These procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis and can provide significant relief for some individuals with chronic back pain.

Surgical Interventions

While surgery is generally considered a last resort for back pain, it may be necessary in some cases. Surgical options can range from minimally invasive procedures to more complex spinal fusion surgeries, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.

The Future of Sleep-Related Back Pain Management

As our understanding of sleep and back pain continues to evolve, new approaches to managing these issues are emerging. What does the future hold for those suffering from sleep-related back pain?

Technological Advancements

Emerging technologies are offering new ways to monitor and improve sleep quality and spinal health:

• Smart mattresses that adjust firmness and support based on your sleep position
• Wearable devices that track sleep quality and body positioning
• AI-powered apps that provide personalized recommendations for improving sleep posture

Integrative Approaches

There’s growing interest in integrative approaches that combine traditional medical treatments with complementary therapies. These may include:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Mind-body techniques like biofeedback

As research in these areas continues, we may see more comprehensive, personalized approaches to managing sleep-related back pain.

Creating a Sleep Environment That Supports Spinal Health

Beyond your mattress and pillow choices, the overall sleep environment plays a crucial role in promoting good spinal health and restful sleep. What elements should you consider when optimizing your bedroom for back pain relief?

Temperature Control

Maintaining a cool, comfortable temperature in your bedroom can help promote better sleep and reduce muscle tension. Most experts recommend keeping your bedroom between 60-67°F (15-19°C) for optimal sleep conditions.

Lighting

Exposure to light, especially blue light from electronic devices, can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Consider these tips:

• Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out external light
• Avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime
• If you need a night light, choose one with a warm, dim glow

Noise Reduction

A quiet environment is essential for quality sleep. If you live in a noisy area, consider using:

• White noise machines
• Earplugs
• Soundproofing materials for your windows or walls

Bedding Materials

The right bedding can contribute to a more comfortable sleep experience:

• Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo for sheets and pillowcases
• Consider a mattress protector that doesn’t interfere with the supportive properties of your mattress
• Experiment with different types of blankets or duvets to find what keeps you comfortable without overheating

By creating a sleep environment that addresses these factors, you can set the stage for better sleep and potentially reduce the likelihood of waking up with back pain.

The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Back Pain Management

While often overlooked, diet and nutrition play a significant role in managing back pain and promoting overall spinal health. What dietary factors should you consider if you’re dealing with sleep-related back pain?

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Chronic inflammation can contribute to back pain. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet may help reduce pain and promote healing. Consider adding these to your meal plan:

• Fatty fish rich in omega-3s (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Colorful fruits and vegetables (berries, leafy greens, sweet potatoes)
• Nuts and seeds (walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds)
• Herbs and spices (turmeric, ginger, garlic)

Hydration

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining the health of your spinal discs. These discs act as shock absorbers for your spine, and they rely on water to maintain their height and elasticity. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider reducing intake of dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeine.

Calcium and Vitamin D

These nutrients are essential for maintaining strong bones, including your vertebrae. Good sources include:

• Dairy products or fortified plant-based alternatives
• Leafy green vegetables
• Fatty fish
• Egg yolks

If you’re concerned about your intake, consult with a healthcare provider about whether supplementation might be beneficial.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce stress on your spine and lower back. If you’re overweight, even a modest weight loss can make a difference in reducing back pain. Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, and combine this with regular physical activity for best results.

Remember, while dietary changes can be beneficial, they should be part of a comprehensive approach to managing back pain. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Tips to reduce sleep-related back pain

Back pain is one of the most common types of pain reported in the United States. Most people — up to eight out of 10 — will have at least one episode of back pain during their lives. While various factors contribute to back pain, how you sleep — from your sleep position to the pillow or mattress you choose — can be a cause.

Pain and sleep are interconnected. Back pain can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep, while some research shows that insufficient sleep can exacerbate pain in addition to causing other health problems, from impaired focus to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only made matters worse. Disrupted daily routines and anxiety about the pandemic have fueled insomnia, while working from home without proper office equipment has caused more people to experience back and neck aches and pains.

Health Matters spoke to Dr. Clark Smith, a neck and back pain medicine specialist with NewYork-Presbyterian Och Spine, and Dr. Kelly Grimes, a physical therapist with Columbia University Irving Medical Center, about what causes sleep-related back pain and what you can do to prevent it.

Everyone has unique, individual variations in terms of the shapes of our spines and individual flexibilities. This is called “body anthropometrics,” says Dr. Grimes, so what’s most important is to find a sleep position that balances support for your spine with comfort and allows you to get a good night’s sleep.

Whatever position a person chooses, having a neutral spine is important, says Dr. Smith. This means there is no major bend in your neck or back.

When you lie down, your back either flexes a little bit or extends, meaning it leans forward or leans back, depending on your position. For a lot of people, the easiest way to achieve a neutral spine is to lie on your side with a pillow, either between your knees or a pillow that you’re hugging, and not have your neck or spine contorted in any way, says Dr. Smith. However, people with some conditions, including hip conditions, shoulder bursitis, or hip bursitis, can have trouble with side sleeping. While there’s no one best position for everyone, lying on the side is usually going to be the healthiest thing in terms of spine care for most people.

Some people prefer a firmer mattress, while others prefer something with more moldability, like a foam mattress, but generally, you want a mattress that’s in good condition, says Dr. Grimes. If you’re sleeping on a sagging mattress and you’re starting to have problems sleeping, rotating the mattress or getting a mattress topper could help.

Your body will react to mattresses in different ways. If you’re lying flat on a hard mattress, your spine may be neutral, with no bending or twisting. This may be beneficial for someone who needs extra support. But if you’re lying flat on your back on a soft mattress, your lumbar spine might bend forward like you’re looking down, which is called “flexion,” says Dr. Smith. This compresses the discs, and that can make disc pain worse. If you’re lying on your stomach in a soft bed, that could extend your back. This position might feel good for the low back in people whose spines bend forward, but it could cause discomfort for others.

Pillows should also help you achieve a neutral spine, adds Dr. Smith. Stomach sleepers usually prefer a thin pillow so their neck isn’t contorted, while back and side sleepers can tolerate a thicker pillow as long as their spine stays neutral.

If you’re sleeping on your back and that’s not working out, try sleeping on your side, says Dr. Smith. You could even place a pillow next to your back so if you move from your side to your back in the middle of the night, you’d have a gentle reminder to stay on your side, adds Dr. Grimes. If you’re a stomach sleeper and you have neck pain, try using a skinnier pillow so your neck is not turned back as much, or if you’re using two pillows, use only one.

Props like a pillow or rolled-up towel can also be helpful, says Dr. Grimes. If you sleep on your back, you might get an arch in your back in that position. If that’s causing pain, place a pillow or two underneath the knees, which helps with low back pressure, and/or place a little towel roll underneath the arch of the low back to support that gap.

Similarly, stomach sleepers can put a small pillow under their stomach to help create a neutral spine. These fixes mean a person can still sleep in their preferred position, but they’re not putting as much stress on the tissues in their spine throughout the night.

An expert can help determine the cause of your pain, says Dr. Grimes, though she adds that it might take a bit of detective work. They might ask questions about your sleep positions and if you feel any similar pain connected to sitting or standing, which can help them narrow down the cause of your pain.

It is also important to investigate whether other medical issues are interfering with sleep. If somebody is waking up frequently because of sleep apnea, their back pain might be getting worse because they’re not getting restorative sleep. For some people, immobility while they sleep rather than a particular sleep position could cause pain, says Dr. Smith. With osteoarthritic conditions, for example, joints may swell a little bit when they’re not mobile. So getting those joints moving again can be painful when you go to the bathroom at night and get up in the morning. Some people may report similar discomfort if they go to a movie, so that pain may not be related to your sleep position.

Today, there’s a lack of separation between work and home for many due to COVID-19, so it’s easy for people to go right from the computer to bed. This is why it’s important to build in behaviors and habits, like a gentle mobility routine, into an intentional nighttime wind-down routine, says Dr. Grimes. The “motion is lotion” concept means you’re bringing nutrition and blood flow to the tissues in your spine when you move. Here are simple stretches and exercises that you can do before bed to loosen up your back.

When you wake up in the morning, if you’re lying on your back, squeeze your abdomen down into the bed to engage those core muscles. This is called “abdominal bracing,” says Dr. Smith. Or bring your knees to your chest to loosen up your hips a little bit. If you can tolerate it, try some supine knee twists, where you lie on your back and turn your knees to one side. Like the Tin Man with no oil, the spine and other joints can feel stiff and creaky after a period of immobility when you get up, so just giving yourself a little bit of extra time in the morning can also help. Often symptoms will improve once you get moving.

Clark Smith, M.D., MPH, is an attending physiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the John A. Downey Associate Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. A fellowship-trained physiatrist, Dr. Smith specializes in treating patients with acute and chronic sports and spine injuries. Dr. Smith is board certified in both physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain medicine.

Kelly Grimes, DPT, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Columbia University Irving Medical Center who specializes in musculoskeletal pain, with a particular interest and expertise in spine care and scoliosis management across the lifespan. Her practice focuses on individualized treatment plans built around each patient’s unique goals —relying on assessments grounded in movement analysis, and a collaborative, hands-on style that considers the whole patient rather than just a painful or troublesome body part.

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9 Sleep Tips for Back Pain

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• 1. Find the right position.
• 2. Get a good mattress.
• 3. Get into and out of bed carefully.
• 4. Exercise your core.
• 5. Try gentle yoga stretches before bed.
• 6. Medication may help.
• 7. Establish a bedtime routine.
• 8. Cut down on stress.
• 9. Don’t give up.
• More

Back pain can make getting through the day hard, but it can make getting a good night’s sleep even harder. It can be tough to find a comfortable position so you can doze off. And you might not even be able to get in and out of bed without pain.

But good sleep is essential to your health, and an important part of your overall well-being. Studies have found that Americans who ranked their quality of life very good or excellent slept an average of 18 to 23 minutes longer than those who considered their health and quality of life poorer. But studies have shown that not getting enough sleep may actually make you more sensitive to pain.

If you’re having trouble getting enough shut-eye because of back pain, try these tips that can make sleeping a little easier.

Certain sleeping positions can help ease your back pain, so find one that is most comfortable for you. Try sleeping with a pillow between or underneath your legs for extra support.

If you sleep on your side, put the pillow between your knees and draw them up slightly toward your chest. If you like to sleep on your back, try the pillow under your knees, or roll up a small towel and place it under the small of your back.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach because it puts a lot of strain on your back. If it’s the only position you can fall asleep in, put a pillow under your stomach to take some of the pressure off your back. Or, to break the habit, wear a sleep shirt with a pocket in front and put a tennis ball in it.

The Sleep Foundation recommends that you evaluate your mattress about every 6 to 8 years. You may need a change for optimal comfort and support. In one study, nearly 63% of people reported significant improvements in low back pain after switching to a new sleep system.

If your budget allows for buying a new mattress, don’t be afraid to “test drive” a few options. When in the store, take off your shoes, lie down in your favorite sleeping position, and spend a few minutes resting. Make sure the mattress supports you well enough to maintain your spine in the position you have with good standing posture.

The type of mattress you need depends on your body type. A soft mattress can be good if your hips are wider than your waist because it will let your spine stay straight while you sleep. If your hips and waist already line up straight, a harder mattress might feel better because it will give you more support.

Doctors used to always recommend firm mattresses, but research has shown that people with low back pain actually sleep worse on very hard mattresses when compared to other kinds. But soft mattresses can cause problems, too. You may sink in too deep and your joints may twist and cause you more pain.

Try sleeping on different kinds of mattresses, either at friends’ houses, or in hotels, to see what feels best. If you think a harder mattress might help, put a sheet of plywood between your mattress and box spring, or try a few nights with your mattress on the floor to see if the extra support makes a difference in your pain.

It may sound obvious, but be extra careful when you get into and out of bed. Bending forward at your waist or making quick and jerking motions can cause you more back pain.

Take your time and roll over onto one side and use your arms to push your way up. You can then swing your legs out of bed to stand up slowly. Reverse the movements when it’s time to lie down at night.

Getting regular physical activity is a great way to improve the quality of your sleep. But doing targeted exercises to strengthen your core — the muscles in your abdomen, hips, lower back, and pelvis — can also help ease back pain.

Building strength and flexibility in these muscles can lower the chances of you straining your back and experiencing muscle spasms during the night. Holding a plank position with your hands under your shoulders and your legs out straight can help tighten these muscles. Start by holding the pose for 15 to 30 seconds and try to maintain proper alignment, with your body in a straight line and your abdominal muscles engaged.

Research has shown that yoga or intensive stretching can help reduce low back pain. It can also help reduce your stress and make you sleep better.

Talk to your doctor about which poses are safe for you to practice and which ones won’t make your pain worse. It might be helpful to start off using yoga props like blocks and bolsters for added support so that you can hold poses comfortably. And taking a few yoga classes with an instructor to be sure you’re doing the poses and breathing correctly — which is key to relaxation — isn’t a bad idea either.

Some medications can help you get sleep while helping with back pain. They should be used as part of a complete treatment plan and only under the direction of your doctor. The goal of medication should be to help you develop a more normal sleep pattern.

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), can be effective for short-term use. These drugs are also available in a “PM” version that includes a medicine to help you sleep. Naproxen sodium (Aleve) is long-lasting and may offer pain relief throughout the night. It’s also available in a “PM” version. 

Sedatives like zolpidem (Ambien), suvorexant (Belsomra), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata) are prescription medicines that can help you sleep.

Prescription drugs for back pain include antidepressants, such as doxepin or duloxetine (Cymbalta), or a medicine that combines antidepressant and pain reliever effects, such as amitriptyline, or a muscle relaxant, such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).

Try to go to bed at the same time each night. Follow a routine, such as setting the alarm, putting on your pajamas, and brushing your teeth. Do not read, work, or watch TV in bed.

Stress is the major cause of insomnia. It’s also linked with back pain. So look for ways to relax and better manage stress. Don’t self-medicate with alcohol, which also hurts your sleep.

Do some soothing exercises. Try relaxation techniques, and ask your health provider or physical therapist about exercises that you can do to help your back early in the day.

The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to get rid of back pain, but this isn’t always possible. Other things that affect sleep and pain, such as anxiety and depression, might also need attention and treatment. Many people put up with pain, but it often can be helped and treated. Don’t give up on finding a treatment that can work for you.

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After sleep, back pain in the lumbar region: causes, possible diagnoses

If in the morning you wake up with pain in the lumbar part of the back, this circumstance can not only darken the mood, but also significantly limit the possibilities. Modern medicine gives many explanations for why the lower back hurts in the morning after sleep.

Causes of back pain in the lumbar region after sleep

The reasons why the lower back hurts after sleeping in the morning are very diverse and ambiguous – from the most frivolous and easily eliminated to intractable pathologies. But sometimes it is enough to look at the external circumstances that provoke this painful symptom every morning.

Hard surface, awkward posture

Too hard or, on the contrary, soft bed makes you take an unhealthy and uncomfortable position in your sleep. As a result, the muscles that should rest at night are not able to relax – and now, after sleep, the back hurts in the lumbar region. At the same time, even owners of orthopedic mattresses are often tormented by this problem. A properly organized place will not relieve the painful inconvenience in the morning if a person sleeps in the wrong position. It is recommended to sleep in such a way that the muscles do not have to stretch or tighten, one of the proven options is on the back with legs elevated.

Overvoltage

Overstrain of the back muscles occurs in those who are engaged in heavy physical labor or, on the contrary, sit in one position for a long time. During sleep, the muscles do not have time to relax, which is why the lower back hurts after sleep. This condition is temporary and passes without the participation of a doctor, however, for its further prevention, it is recommended to do physical exercises.

Diseases of the spine

One of the common reasons why the back hurts in the lumbar region after sleep is various pathologies of the spine. Localization of pain in the lumbar region indicates that the source is located in the lumbar part of the spine. There are the following pathological conditions that provoke this unpleasant symptom:

Osteochondrosis

We are talking about lumbar osteochondrosis, when various tissues of the lumbar region are damaged. The pain is caused by the fact that the disease affects the nerve endings, which is why the lower back hurts during sleep, even on the back and after it. The only way to stop the pain is to actively treat the disease, since neglected osteochondrosis turns into even more serious complications and painful manifestations.

Spondylolisthesis

This is a vertebral pathology in which one of the vertebrae moves forward and backward. If the lumbar region hurts after sleep, it is in this part of the back that the structure of the spine has changed. Spondylolisthesis is rarely caused by traumatic lesions of the spine, more often it is a congenital anomaly or the result of neoplasms affecting the vertebrae.

Spondylosis

Consequence of untreated lumbar osteochondrosis. Hard bone tissue grows around the spine, forming spikes that periodically touch the soft tissues. This is what causes back pain in the lumbar region after sleep. Spondylosis often accompanies other chronic diseases of the spine. This condition is typical for older people.

Herniated disc

It is characterized by rupture of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc and compression of the nerves. This causes back pain in the lumbar region after sleep, lasting all day. The spine in the lumbar region is most vulnerable to a pathological condition, since it bears the highest load.

Spondylarthrosis

This is a lesion of the intervertebral joints, which is often combined with osteochondrosis and spondylosis. The connections between the vertebrae are broken, resulting in pinched nerves and discs. Therefore, after sleep, back pain occurs in the lumbar region. Spondylarthrosis is often provoked by developing vertebral diseases, it occurs with beriberi.

Diseases and pathologies of internal organs

Many internal organs and vessels are adjacent to the lumbar region. Therefore, back pain in the lumbar region after sleep can appear in the absence of any problems with posture, as a result of damage to nearby organs. Pain can indicate the following diseases:

Pathologies of the pancreas

Girdle pain of a aching nature is characteristic of various problems with the pancreas. If your lower back hurts this way after sleeping, you should visit a doctor, as this is a common symptom of pancreatic pancreatitis.

Pyelonephritis

It is an acute inflammation of the kidneys. The kidneys are located close to the lower back, so back pain after sleep is localized in this area. The nature of the pain is dull aching. They may not stop all day.

Pelvioperitonitis

This gynecological disease is an inflammation of the uterus and ovaries, which makes itself felt primarily with pain in the lower abdomen. Sometimes after sleep with pelvioperitonitis, back pain occurs in the lumbar region. You also need to pay attention to the general condition: body temperature, the presence of nausea and vomiting. Additionally, other symptoms may accompany pelvioperitonitis – for example, amenorrhea (prolonged absence of menstruation).

Metastases and tumors

The back in the lumbar region can hurt after sleep due to neoplasms in the internal organs: pancreas, stomach, kidneys, etc. Quite often, this symptom manifests itself as urological diseases. This is a serious phenomenon that needs to be carefully investigated.

Kidney disease

Due to their proximity to the lumbar part of the back, the kidneys can make themselves felt with dull aching and intense pain in the lower back. Sometimes back pain after sleep appears during movements and blocks them, thereby limiting a person’s capabilities. The pain is usually localized in the lateral part of the lower back. Also, this symptom is accompanied by edema. Kidney disease requires accurate diagnosis.

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels

In rare cases, the back in the lumbar region hurts after sleep due to circulatory disorders and the work of the heart muscle. Night pains are characteristic, while their intensity is disproportionate to the severity of the problem. Therefore, people prone to cardiovascular disease should pay attention to this symptom.

How to relieve pain

Since the causes of lower back pain after sleep can be different, self-diagnosis and pain relief is strongly discouraged. Some external problems do not require the participation of a doctor, while serious internal disorders need proper treatment. Self-management of pain – an important symptom that will allow the doctor to determine the source of the problem – is not recommended until the examination by a specialist. How to relieve an attack of back pain in the lumbar region after sleep, only the attending physician will tell you. Medication may be prescribed to treat pain. You need to know that pain is a symptom, not the cause of the problem. Often, lower back pain disappears after the correct organization of the bed, debugging the diet, correcting posture and two to three weeks of physical therapy.

Which doctor to contact

If you have back pain in the lumbar region after sleeping, first of all, you need to contact the therapist . He will conduct a survey and examination, send you for a medical examination, and, if necessary, to a narrow specialist. This can be a massage therapist, chiropractor , neurologist , gastroenterologist , cardiologist or another specialist. Pain after sleep in the back – in the lumbar region – can be a sign of a serious illness, so you should consult a doctor immediately after they occur. This will prevent possible costs for serious treatment of complications of the disease and save your health.

You can make an appointment with specialists online , as well as by phone 8 (812) 901-03-03.

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Rarely, when back pain after sleep occurs as a result of physiological causes, for example, when you stay in one body position for a long time. AT 9In 9% of cases, discomfort is disturbing due to a pathological change – which one, only a doctor can determine.

CMRT specialist tells

Kuchenkov A.V.

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • Surgeon • Phlebologist • Sports doctor • 25 years of experience

Publication date: September 22, 2021

Verification date: January 30, 2023

All facts have been verified by a physician.

Article content

Causes of back pain after sleep

Varieties of pain depending on diseases

First aid for back pain after sleep

Which doctor to contact

Diagnostic methods

How to treat back pain after sleep

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is the final stage after therapeutic treatment aimed at eliminating pain in the spine after sleep. The recovery individual program is compiled by experienced specialists of the rehabilitation center “Laboratory of Life”.

The course allows you to significantly reduce the recovery period, improve the quality of life.

These measures are especially effective in diseases of the spine, scapula and other structures of the musculoskeletal system.

Consequences

Prevention

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Article checked

Moskaleva V.V.

Editor • Journalist • Experience 10 years

We publish only verified information

The materials posted on the site are written by the authors with
medical education and specialists of the company CMRT

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