Do you wake up in the morning with a throbbing sensation in your lower back? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience lower back pain when they first get out of bed in the morning. Here, we will explore four possible causes of this pain and offer some tips on alleviating it.
1. Sleeping in an Awkward Position
Your sleeping position matters regarding lower back pain in the morning. Sleeping in a position that strains your muscles, such as on your stomach or with your legs tucked under you, can cause discomfort and back pain when you wake up.
Here are some of the best positions to sleep in to prevent lower back pain:
1) On your side with a pillow between your knees
2) On your back with a pillow under your knees or lower back
3) In the fetal position
Mattress material and firmness also affect how you sleep – the best mattresses for lower back pain tend to be medium-firm with adequate cushioning.
2. Poor Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of designing the workplace, equipment, and tools to fit the user. Poor ergonomics can lead to lower back pain because it causes your spine to be in an unhealthy position for too long. Some ways to improve your ergonomics include ensuring your chair is at the right height and that your desk is not too high or low. You should also adjust your computer monitor, so it’s at eye level.
3. Lack of Exercise
Exercising regularly can help alleviate lower back pain because it strengthens the muscles that support the spine and helps reduce stiffness. Lack of exercise can lead to weak muscles and decreased flexibility, which can cause or contribute to lower back pain. If you are not exercising regularly, it could be the reason for your morning back pain.
4. Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions are known to lead to lower back pain in the morning:
1) Disc Degeneration
The vertebrae are composed of discs; if one or more become degenerated, it can irritate the nerves nearby. This causes pain and discomfort that is often worse in the morning when you first wake up.
2) Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and can occur anywhere throughout the body, including the lower back. It can cause inflammation in the joints and lead to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. People who have arthritis often experience more pain when waking up from a long period of rest due to inactivity.
3) Spinal Curvature
Your spine, composed of many bones connected by joints and ligaments, should have a slight natural curve. This curvature can cause excessive pressure on the lower back muscles and joints if it becomes heightened or reversed. This can lead to pain when you wake up due to the strain on these areas during the night.
4) Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the rubbery cushion between the vertebrae slips out of its normal position. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in your lower back. Sometimes, this can be aggravated by sleeping in a particular position for too long and causing discomfort when you wake up.
Contact LifeGiving Chiropractic for the best lower back pain treatment in Austell. Our team of experts has helped countless patients find relief.