Sage-Tips

Is it normal for your lower back to hurt when you lay down?

There are many causes of lower back pain when lying down. Also called nocturnal or nighttime back pain, some of the most common causes include injuries, like a strain, and conditions like arthritis or sciatica. The pain can range from mild to debilitating and is often described as dull, sharp, or throbbing.

How long does low back pain last?

Acute episodes of lower back pain usually last from a few days to 4 weeks and subacute lower back pain lasts between 4 to 12 weeks. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, about 20 percent of people with acute back pain go on to develop chronic back pain—defined as pain that lasts 12 weeks or longer.

Why does my back ache in bed?

The main cause of back pain in bed is poor posture, either from how a person sits at work or how they sleep at night. Between the vertebrae in the spine are intervertebral discs, which rehydrate at night (this is why we are taller in the morning, and part of the reason that the elderly lose height as they get older).

How do I relieve lower back pain when lying in bed?

The best sleeping position for lower back pain is on your side with a partial bend in the knees7. Keeping the knees bent helps balance the body and reduces pressure on the lumbar spine. Many people find it helpful to put a small pillow between their knees to make this position more comfortable.

How can I fix my lower back pain ASAP?

Remedies to Relieve Lower Back Pain

1. Exercise to Loosen Muscles. Although it may seem counterintuitive to exercise when lower back pain is causing you grief, the right kind of movement can help eliminate the discomfort.
2. Use Hot/Cold Treatments.
3. Stretch More.
4. Get Better Shoes.
5. Reduce Your Stress.
6. Get Better Sleep.

How can I sleep with lower back pain?

For some people, sleeping on their back may be the best position to relieve back pain:

1. Lay flat on your back.
2. Place a pillow underneath your knees and keep your spine neutral.
3. You may also place a small, rolled up towel under the small of your back for added support.

Why does my lower back hurt as a teenager?

​​Problems that affect a child’s back are most often due to injuries from sports or play, falls, or unusual strain, such as that caused by wearing a heavy backpack. Back pain and stiffness are most often caused by a pulled muscle, a strained ligament, or bruising.

Is back pain normal for a teenager?

While back pain is very common for adults, kids and teens are much more resilient and flexible and do not suffer the same types of back injuries to which adults are subject. In fact, medically significant back pain in children and teens is infrequently encountered, with even fewer cases in younger children.

Do you have lower back pain when lying down?

Lower Back Pain When Lying Down. Lower back pain when lying down can be caused by a number of things. Sometimes, getting relief is as simple as switching sleeping positions or getting a mattress that’s better suited to your needs. However, if you can’t get relief from changes to your sleep environment, or if the pain occurs only at night,…

Why does my back hurt more when I Lay Down at night?

Lower Back Pain When Lying Down. However, if you can’t get relief from changes to your sleep environment, or if the pain occurs only at night, it may be a sign of something more serious, like arthritis or degenerative disk disease. Talk to your doctor if your back pain is accompanied by:

Should I prop up or lay down for lower back pain?

If your low back pain or sciatica worsens in the propped up position, simply return to lying face down and relax for a few more minutes, and then try to prop up again. Sometimes the pain is simply too intense to get into the propped up position.

Can sciatica cause lower back pain when laying down?

This creates stress and leads to pain. Although sciatica is often acutely felt in the legs, you can still experience low back pain when you’re laying down with sciatica. Again, the main risk factor for sciatica is a sedentary lifestyle.