Back Pain at Night

If you're someone who suffers from upper or lower back pain at night, read ahead. Listed ahead are some of the causes of back pain at night, i.e. back pain while sleeping.

Not for nothing, is our spine known as the 'backbone' of our body (pun intended). Unfortunately, living life in the fast lane has resulted in back pain becoming one of the world's leading physical problems (not to mention a major reason for frequent doctor visits!). With a strong, healthy back being absolutely vital for our well-being, the alarming rate at which back problems are increasing all around the world, is fast becoming a major cause of concern to the global medical fraternity. Of all the people who suffer from various forms of back pain, a major chunk experiences lower back pain at night, i.e. lower back pain while sleeping. In the remainder of this article, we will see the possible causes of back pain at night, and a few ways of lessening (or curing) it.

Causes of Back Pain at Night

If you happen to be suffering from back pain at night only, then it could be due to one (or more) of the following reasons:

Improper body posture or body position while sleeping

Improper use of a pillow

Adverse effect of extreme stress

Lack of exercise

Obesity

Kidney stones

Accidents, injuries

Excessive or improper training (in case of sportspersons or athletes)

Prolonged or improper use of high heeled footwear

Muscle strain or inflammation

Pregnancy-related back pain

Lack of cushioning or body support due to faulty bed mattresses

Lifting excessively heavy weights and doing so in an incorrect manner

Reducing Back Pain at Night

Here are a few suggestions for back pain relief at night.

If you sleep on your back, try keeping a small leg pillow under your knees. That little bit of leverage can at times, ease lower back pain at night. Read more on lower back pain relief.

As far back pain during pregnancy is concerned, it is suggested that you sleep on your side, rather than on your back. It can help lessen the strain on the spinal nerves and can reduce back pain. Read more on back pain during early pregnancy.

Some people who experience back pain while sleeping have benefited from using a memory foam mattress cover. The foam mattress cover can in cases, provide a certain degree of cushioning support, and can shape itself as per the contours of your back and spine. However, I must warn you, there are also a few people whose back pain only worsened due to the use of such foam mattresses. Therefore, ideally, the best way to go about it, is to first consult your doctor before making a purchase. Read more on best mattress for back pain.

Pay attention to the type of head pillow that you are using. Often, an improper head pillow can be the cause of cervical back pain. In such cases, visit a chiropractor who can analyze your back problem and can recommend the right type of pillow for you to use.

Cut down on stress and anxiety. Extreme stress, anxiety and over-exertion always take a toll on one's back, and the pain is particularly experienced at the far end of the day. The more stress-free you are, the better you will sleep.

At the same time, lack of exercise, or a naturally weak back can also lead to back pain at night. In such cases, your focus should be on back exercises such as swimming, yoga exercises, etc. They are immensely useful in strengthening the spine and the back muscles, and will significantly reduce your back pain. Here are a few back strengthening exercises for your benefit.

Also, applying a heating pad to the affected area of the back, can at times help in reducing back pain temporarily. However, if your back problem persists even after trying out the aforementioned home remedies, it is best that you visit a doctor at the earliest and get the problem sorted out.

This was a brief overview of back pain at night. You can read more on:

Back Problem Solutions

Yoga Exercises for Back Pain

Natural Remedies for Back Pain

Remember, considering the hectic lives that we lead today, having a strong, healthy back is paramount. Here's where I sign off. Take care!