Waking Up With Lower Back Pain? Common Causes and What You Can Do
If your alarm goes off and the first thing you notice is a stiff, aching lower back, you're in good company. Morning back pain is one of the most common things we hear about at our Kenmore clinic, and for many people it's the reason they finally decide to get their back looked at.
The good news is that morning back pain often has straightforward contributing factors, and there's plenty you can do about it.
Why does my back hurt in the morning?
There's rarely one single cause, but these are some of the usual suspects:
Your sleeping position. Stomach sleeping tends to place the lower back and neck in awkward positions for hours at a time. Side and back sleeping are generally more neutral, especially with the right pillow support.
Your mattress. Mattresses don't last forever. If yours is sagging in the middle or you can feel springs, it may no longer be supporting you well. Many people notice their back feels different when they sleep away from home, which can be a useful clue.
Prolonged stillness overnight. Joints and muscles naturally stiffen when we stay in one position for a long time. This is why the first few steps out of bed can feel creaky, then ease as you get moving.
What you did yesterday. A big gardening session, a long drive, a day of sitting at the desk or an unusually hard gym workout can all show up as stiffness the next morning.
Underlying back conditions. Sometimes morning pain is part of a bigger picture involving the joints, discs or muscles of the lower back. This is where a proper assessment helps.
Simple things to try at home
Ease into the day. A few gentle movements before you get up, like knee rocks or pulling your knees towards your chest, can help your back wake up gradually.
Review your sleep setup. Consider your mattress age, your pillow, and whether a pillow between your knees (side sleepers) or under your knees (back sleepers) makes mornings more comfortable.
Keep moving during the day. Regular movement breaks, short walks and gentle stretching often help backs that stiffen with rest.
Warm shower first thing. Many people find warmth helps loosen morning stiffness.
When to have it assessed
Book an assessment if:
Morning pain has been hanging around for more than a couple of weeks
Pain is waking you during the night
You're noticing pins and needles, numbness or weakness in your legs
The pain followed a fall, lift or accident
You feel generally unwell alongside the back pain
Some more serious symptoms need prompt medical attention, so see your GP or an emergency department if you're ever concerned.
How we can help at Balance Chiropractic Kenmore
Our chiropractors take the time to assess your back properly, talk through what may be contributing to your morning pain, and put together a care plan tailored to you. That may include hands-on care, movement advice, and simple changes to your daily routine and sleep setup.
We're located at 1/2105 Moggill Rd, Kenmore, and care for people from across Brisbane's western suburbs including Chapel Hill, Kenmore Hills, Brookfield, Fig Tree Pocket and Indooroopilly. If mornings have become the hardest part of your day, we'd love to help you get to the bottom of it.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a registered health practitioner about your individual circumstances.
