We all know what it feels like to wake up in the morning with aches and pain. Maybe your back or neck is stiff, pain in your lower back or hips makes a sudden movement or getting out of bed difficult, or any number of similar feelings of discomfort. For some of us, this is something that only happens once in a while, but for many people, morning back pain becomes a chronic disturbance affecting our quality of life. So, what can we do about it?
Why Does My Back Hurt When I Wake Up?
You may be experiencing back pain when you wake up for multiple reasons. One of the most common causes is the position you sleep in. You’ll find it’s usually recommended that you sleep on your back or on your side to help give your back support while you’re sleeping. If you find that you’re experiencing pain every morning and you’re sleeping in the same position, it’s time for a change.
It’s possible you may have degenerative disc disease. This is a condition that usually affects people as they enter their later years. Your discs between the vertebrae in your spine can deteriorate with age which causes pain, pressure, and discomfort that tends to be more noticeable in the morning. Other diseases like fibromyalgia, which also causes pain and discomfort, can be a source of morning back pain as well.
How Should I Sleep To Avoid Back Pain?
Support is the key to avoiding back pain from sleeping. Multiple positions are available that you can try to properly support your lower back and reduce your chances of waking up with back pain. Small changes can lead to significant improvement.
If you’re sleeping on your back, a pillow under your knees will help give your lower back support. Similarly, if you’re sleeping on your side, a pillow between your knees will also give you support and help keep your back straighter while you sleep. If you can only sleep on your stomach, a pillow under your hips can help provide lower back support.
Can Your Mattress Be The Cause Your Back Pain?
Your mattress is very important for your overall spinal health. After all, we spend an average of one-third of our time on our mattresses. A great mattress that gave you the best night’s sleep you had years ago may be the cause of your back pain today. A mattress only lasts on average seven to ten years.
Studies have shown different kinds of mattresses can have different effects on people. One study showed that a medium-firm mattress was better on average than a firmer mattress to sleep on. That may not be true for you though. Sleeping on an incline with an adjustable mattress may be better for your back as well.
Total Chiropractic Care Can Help You Get A Better Night’s Sleep
At Total Chiropractic Care, we work with our clients not only through treatments, but in providing lifestyle advice for better overall health, wellness, and improved quality of life. Dr. Todd Goldman provides chiropractic care in our Medford office. He also gives suggestions on diet and exercises like stretches you can do to curtail back pain, and so much more. Contact us today and start looking forward to waking up pain-free again.