Back pain can be one of the most frustrating and debilitating types of pain to crop up in your daily life. And when that pain flares up only when you lie down, it can be even more frustrating or confusing. Now not only are you in pain, but you might also be losing sleep because of it.
If you’ve got back pain that seems to only show up to ruin your rest and recovery, our team may be able to help you understand what’s going on and give you ideas on how best to take care of your aches and pain.
Recognizing nighttime back pain
Noticing that your upper or lower back hurts when you lay down isn’t uncommon, and it often comes with other symptoms:
- A sharp, stabbing sensation that intensifies when you move into a lying position.
- A dull ache that worsens as the night goes on.
- Difficulty getting comfortable due to consistent lower back pain.
- Soreness or stiffness that seems to improve once you get up and start moving around.
Any of these symptoms can be a sign of nighttime back pain that is distinct from other types of back pain you might experience during the day. This pain could stem from several causes that we’ll discuss below.
Possible causes for nighttime back pain
Several conditions or factors can lead to back pain when lying down, especially as your body settles into the end-of-day routine:
- Poor mattress support – An old or unsuitable mattress may not provide the support your spine needs, causing strain on your back muscles and joints that gets worse as you continue sleeping on an unsupportive surface.
- Chronic muscle fatigue – By the end of the day, strained back muscles from poor posture or heavy lifting may become sore and inflamed, worsening when you lie down. This effect can compound over days and weeks of inadequate rest or recovery.
- Spinal alignment issues – Conditions like scoliosis or other alignment problems can become more noticeable when your body is horizontal.
- Arthritis or joint degeneration – Osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease may lead to stiffness and discomfort, especially during or immediately after periods of rest.
Pain when laying flat on your back
For some people, the pain becomes unbearable if they try to lie flat on their back but not in other positions. This position can aggravate common back issues people may have already had diagnosed or experienced in the past, including:
- Herniated disc – A ruptured disc can press on nearby nerves and cause pain in various positions, including lying flat on your back.
- Sciatica – Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve can create sharp pains that worsen in certain lying positions.
- Facet joint syndrome – The facet joints in your spine, located at the points where vertebrae touch one another, can become inflamed, and lying flat may aggravate the issue.
- Spinal stenosis – A narrowing of the spinal canal can result in pain, tingling, or numbness in the back, especially in certain postures.
Back pain only when laying down
In many cases, people will have back pain both when lying down and when upright. But if your back feels completely fine throughout the day and only starts to hurt when you lie down, it could indicate specific conditions. For example:
- Mechanical issues – Pain caused by stiffness or strain on muscles and ligaments may only show up when you get into very specific postures.
- Inflammation – Inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis can cause pain that’s more noticeable at night or early in the morning.
- Underlying medical conditions – Rarely, spinal tumors or infections can result in back pain that feels worse when resting.
If you’re struggling to manage back pain that occurs only when lying down and feel fine while upright, reaching out to a physical therapist can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
Physical therapy treatments for lower back pain
The good news is there are numerous ways to manage back pain, whether it’s only at night or throughout the day. Physical therapy offers effective, non-invasive treatments for many of these issues, including:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises – Targeted stretches and exercises, such as hamstring stretches and core strengthening, help relieve tension and support the spine.
- Posture improvements – Physical therapists can teach ergonomic techniques to improve your posture during the day, helping to reduce nighttime discomfort.
- Manual therapy – Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage or mobilization can alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility.
- Dry needling – This approach addresses trigger points and muscle knots that contribute to pain.
- Education and self-care guidance – Our physical therapists can give you practical and personalized advice on sleeping positions, mattress and pillow choices, and other lifestyle changes that can ease back pain.
Start finding back pain relief today in Pittsburgh, PA
Back pain doesn’t have to rule your nights. By understanding what’s causing your back to hurt when you lay down, you’re one step closer to relief. At Panther Physical Therapy, our team of experienced professionals is here to help. Get your diagnosis and plan of care started ASAP by calling one of our clinics or by requesting an appointment online today.
