What Do I Do if I Feel Back Pain Every Morning?

Have you ever woken up with sudden lower back pain? You're not the only one. Back pain is quite frequent. It's also common in the morning, especially when transitioning from lying down to standing.

This pain is frequently caused by stiffness from prolonged rest or a decrease in blood flow from sleeping. Symptoms usually fade after moving about.

While morning back discomfort is common, some people experience it more frequently than others. This chronic pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including underlying medical problems, stress, or improper posture.

Causes of morning back pain

Sleeping positions

If you wake up with back pain every morning, your sleeping posture could be to blame. Poor sleeping postures can put a strain on your spine, leading it to flatten its natural curve.

This can also result in back pain and uncomfortable joint pressure. If you frequently sleep on your stomach, you may have increased back pain.

Change your sleeping position for greater sleep and spine health.

Bad mattress

If bad sleeping posture isn't the source of your back problems, your mattress could be. Changing up your old mattresses for new ones can significantly improve your sleep.

Don't be scared to seek professional advice before purchasing your next mattress.

Pregnancy

Back pain is extremely prevalent during pregnancy. Some women may have this pain as early as eight weeks into their pregnancy, but it is more likely to occur during the fifth and seventh months.

To alleviate pain and discomfort, consider stretching and standing on your legs rather than your back. If your pain persists, a warm compress may provide relief.

Disc degeneration

Degenerative disc disease usually develops without a major precipitating event. It's a natural byproduct of aging and body wear and tear. This age-related illness develops when the spinal discs between your vertebrae degrade.

Steroid injections or pain medication are used to treat the condition. Wearing a corset or brace for back support may also be recommended by your doctor or physical therapist.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal discomfort. It is thought to amplify pain by altering how your brain processes pain signals. The condition can affect everyone, however, it is more common in women than in men.

Other symptoms associated with this condition include:

- altered moods

- fatigue

- tension headaches

- restless sleep

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are several pain drugs that can improve sleep and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms. Your doctor may also suggest treatment or counseling to help you improve your quality of life and learn coping strategies for your disease.

Treatment for morning back pain

If you wake up with back pain, don't worry; the exercises and ideas below can help you get going while also relieving discomfort throughout the day.

Stretches in bed

Making a routine of stretching soon before getting out of bed is one approach to combat back pain. Reach your arms as far above your head as possible while resting on your back. Simultaneously, extend your feet in the other direction.

Then, for a lower back stretch, draw your knees into your chest and hold. Rocking from side to side may also be relaxing.

Sit up and place your feet shoulder-width apart on the ground. Reach your arms back up over your head, then side to side for a full-body stretch.

Mini-cobra

The cobra stretch may be familiar to you from yoga class. The mini-cobra employs the same fundamental movements as the cobra, but without overstretching your lower back.

To do a mini-cobra, lie on your stomach with your palms facing down and the sides of your head lined up. Straight lines should also extend from your elbows and forearms to your hands. Lift your chest by slowly pressing your palms and forearms against the floor.

Maintain a forward gaze and a straight neck. Hold the stretch for up to 10 seconds at a time, then repeat up to 5 times.

Knee bends

Stretching your knees and glutes may provide back relief, particularly in the lower back. Knee bends are one exercise that can help with this.

Squat down as though trying to sit back into a chair to complete a knee bend. Maintain 90-degree bends in your knees and make sure they don't track past your toes. Exhale as you descend, then inhale as you return to standing. Rep up to ten times.

Conclusion

Lower back pain in the morning is a common problem. Moving and stretching usually alleviate pain feelings within minutes. However, if you begin to wake up in pain every morning, it could be due to a faulty mattress or an underlying medical condition.

Consult your doctor if you feel increased pain or other unusual symptoms to rule out significant medical conditions.