What are the Common Causes of Back Pain at Night?
According to the American Chiropractic Association, it is estimated that 80% of the population will have a back problem at some time in their lives. While back problems are often not serious conditions, it is important to understand the causes of back pain so you can learn to prevent it.
Do you want to learn more about the common causes of back pain at night? Keep reading this article for tips to improve sleeping habits and to discover your source of back pain.
Back Conditions
There are many other types of back conditions that can lead to back pain, especially at night.
One common example is degenerative disc disease.
This is something that occurs to most older adults and develops naturally as you age. As your discs break down with age, it can lead to back pain and problems with the mechanical function of your back.
There are also many other back diseases and conditions, like scoliosis, that can increase your back pain while you sleep.
Other types of back injuries can also lead to worsened back pain at night. If you have sprains or fractures, these may contribute to your back pain. For example, you have been in a car accident, this can lead to whiplash and other back problems as well.
If you have any underlying conditions, you may be able to get treatment that will heal your back pain
Other Health Conditions
Even if you do not have injuries or conditions that affect your back, there are other health conditions that can worsen or create back pain. Some common health conditions that can give you back pain are endometriosis, kidney stones, spinal tumors, and more.
If you find that you are having excessive back pain at night and have tried everything you can to improve it, you may want to visit your doctor to make sure there are no other underlying health conditions.
Bad Sleeping Posture
One of the most common reasons that people have back pain at night is if they are sleeping in an unsupportive sleep position.
If you do not focus on your sleeping position, you may be putting unnecessary pressure on your spine.
For example, sleeping on your stomach can twist your neck and spine out of alignment. Because your stomach will sink more deeply into your mattress, your spine will be curved uncomfortably.
When you sleep like this, it may increase your risk of lower back pain.
Even back sleeping can be bad for your back health. This is because it can make it difficult to support the natural curvature of your spine.
The best sleeping posture is sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees. By improving sleeping habits and sleeping on your side, you will keep your back aligned during the night and can prevent back pain.
Poor Daily Posture
Not only can bad sleeping posture give you back pain at night, but poor daily posture can worsen this as well.
Most people do not have good posture. Whether you slouch while you are sitting or constantly hunch your back while you use your computer or phone, it can impact the curvature of your spine and lead to misalignment in your back.
Even things like wearing high heels can worsen your posture and back pain. By improving your daily posture, you can relieve and even prevent back pain.
If you work at a job where you are constantly sitting, it is important that you frequently take breaks to stand up and walk around. This will stretch your back and will help you prevent tight muscles that contribute to poor posture.
You may also consider getting new chairs for your office or home that have better back support.
Unsupportive Mattress
Another common cause of back pain at night is a low-quality mattress. If you are sleeping on an old mattress that offers little support, you may find that your back pain gets worse at night.
This is often the case with old mattresses that need to be replaced. However, even new mattresses may not be the best fit for your sleeping position.
Having a mattress that is too firm or too soft may make it hard to get comfortable and may cause issues with your back.
Typically, the best type of mattress to avoid back pain is a medium-firm mattress. They will support your spine while still allowing you to sleep comfortably. If your bed is not supporting your back properly, it is time to get a new mattress.
Pregnancy
Finally, you may find that pregnancy causes back pain, especially at night. Because you are unable to sleep in comfortable positions while you are pregnant, your back pain can get worse as you sleep.
One way to prevent back pain and to sleep more comfortably during pregnancy is by using several support pillows for your legs, back, and abdomen.
Improve Your Back Pain at Night With a New Mattress
If you experience back pain while sleeping or back pain at night, there are many potential back pain causes. Whether this is from injuries, back conditions, or even bad posture, this can be improved by getting a newer, more supportive mattress.
Are you looking for ways to ease your back pain while sleeping? Nest Bedding can help! We offer mattresses and even mattress pads that can help support you while you sleep and improve your back pain.
Contact our team to learn more about the best mattresses to help with back pain and to find the best solution for your pain today!