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Waking up with back pain often indicates a problem with a person’s sleeping posture, mattress, or pillows. However, morning back pain can sometimes be a symptom of a medical condition. Waking up with back pain can slow down a person’s start on the day. Determining the cause of the pain can help them identify ways to manage the problem and wake up to more pain-free mornings. This article outlines some of the possible causes of waking up with back pain, along with their associated treatment options. Read on to learn tips on how to relieve back pain and when to contact a doctor. Share on Pinterestfizkes/Getty Images Back pain may be short term (acute) or can last for more than 12 weeks (chronic). Most back pain is acute and will improve after a few days with appropriate home care. If the pain persists, a person may need to contact a doctor to determine whether there is an underlying cause. There are a number of reasons a person may experience back pain when they wake up. Some possibilities are outlined below. Degenerative disc diseaseAs a person ages, natural wear and tear of the vertebrae and disks in the back can cause narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal. Doctors refer to this narrowing as spinal arthritis or degenerative disc disease (DDD). DDD can compress the spinal nerves, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that typically affects the lower back or neck. The pain can range from mild to very severe, and it may radiate to other parts of the body. Symptoms can be worse in the morning and may even interfere with sleep. Other possible symptoms of DDD include:
TreatmentTreatment options for DDD include: If a person’s symptoms are severe, their doctor may recommend surgical approaches, such as disc replacement or spinal fusion. FibromyalgiaMorning back pain and stiffness are common symptoms of fibromyalgia. This is a chronic disorder that can cause aches, pains, and tenderness in many parts of the body. Other possible symptoms of fibromyalgia include: TreatmentThe treatment for fibromyalgia depends on a person’s symptoms, but it typically involves:
Some steps that people with fibromyalgia can take to reduce morning back pain include:
Overdoing exercise the day beforeRegular exercise can help strengthen the back and reduce back pain. However, overdoing it at the gym or while playing sports can lead to morning back pain and stiffness. It is important for a person to pay attention to their posture during and after any intense physical activity. Properly warming up and cooling down can also help reduce back pain and muscle stiffness the following day. TreatmentThe following can help alleviate symptoms of exercise-related back pain:
Getting out of bed improperlyHow a person gets out of bed can be vital to preventing early morning aches and pains. Even if a person is well-rested, rising too quickly or bending too far forward when getting out of bed can place a strain on the back. To reduce the risk of morning back pain and stiffness, a person should follow these steps:
Improper sleeping postureSome sleeping postures can place extra strain on the lower back, hips, and neck. It is not always necessary for a person to completely alter their usual sleeping position in order to alleviate back pain. Instead, a person can place pillows around their body for extra support while they sleep in the position that they find most comfortable. For example:
If a person’s symptoms do not improve with the use of pillows, they should consider other potential causes of morning back pain. Unsupportive mattressMattresses that do not fully support a person’s weight or body shape may lead to morning back pain. Manufacturers generally recommend that people replace their mattresses every 10 years or so. Signs that a mattress needs replacing may include visible sagging or indentations that remain where a person has been sleeping. When buying a new mattress, it is important to choose one that is both comfortable and fully supportive. Some manufacturers offer an extended trial period that allows a person to return a mattress after several weeks or months if they are not fully satisfied with the product. PregnancyLower back pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint during pregnancy, and this can occur in the morning. The prevalence of lower back pain during pregnancy ranges between 30–78% in some parts of the world, including the United States. There are many reasons for lower back pain during pregnancy, including:
Pregnancy-associated back pain usually goes away after giving birth. A 2019 study found that exercising may decrease the severity of back pain during pregnancy but does not decrease the likelihood of back pain during pregnancy. Click here for more information about back pain during pregnancy. If back pain does not improve on its own, a person may find relief using one or more of the methods below:
A person should contact a doctor if their morning back pain does not improve with self-care measures. It is important to seek prompt medical treatment for severe pain that interferes with movement and everyday activities. A person should also see a doctor as soon as possible if back pain occurs alongside any of the following symptoms: In order to make a diagnosis, the doctor will:
In some cases, a doctor may recommend tests to help identify the underlying cause of back pain. These may include nerve conduction studies or imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans. Waking up with back pain is often the result of sleeping habits or overstraining the body during physical activity. However, morning back pain can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia and DDD. A person should speak with a doctor if back pain does not get better with self-care measures, such as trying a different sleeping position or a new mattress. It is also important to contact a doctor for severe back pain that limits movement or the ability to carry out everyday activities. Last medically reviewed on December 21, 2021 Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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