If you experience lower back pain when lying down, you are not alone. This is a common problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, or an underlying medical condition. At New Jersey Back Center, we are committed to helping our patients find the root cause of their lower back pain and provide minimally invasive pain treatments to alleviate the pain.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most common reasons why your lower back may hurt when you lay down, and what you can do to alleviate the pain.

Poor Sleeping Posture

One of the most common reasons for lower back pain when lying down is poor sleeping posture. If you sleep on your stomach or on your back with a pillow that is too high, it can cause your spine to be misaligned, which can lead to lower back pain. The best sleeping posture is on your side, with a pillow that is not too high or too low. If you must sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to keep your spine in a neutral position.

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Muscle Strain

Another common reason for lower back pain when lying down is muscle strain. If you have lifted something heavy, twisted your back in an awkward position, or have been sitting for long periods, you may have strained your back muscles. This can cause pain when you lay down, especially if the muscles are not given time to heal. To alleviate the pain, you can try using a heating pad or ice pack on the affected area, taking over-the-counter pain medication, or gently stretching the affected muscles.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a condition where the discs between the vertebrae in the spine start to break down over time. This can cause lower back pain, especially when lying down. Other symptoms may include tingling or numbness in the legs, weakness in the legs, or difficulty standing up after sitting for long periods. Treatment for degenerative disc disease may include physical therapy, pain medication, or minimally invasive procedures such as epidural injections or radiofrequency ablation.

Tumor or Growth

In rare cases, lower back pain when lying down may be caused by a tumor or growth in the spine. This is more likely if you have a history of cancer, have unexplained weight loss, or have pain that is not alleviated by rest or medication. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It can cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints of the spine, leading to lower back pain, especially when lying down. Other symptoms may include pain and stiffness in the hips and shoulders, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis may include physical therapy, medication, or minimally invasive procedures such as facet joint injections or sacroiliac joint injections.

Red Flags

It is important to note that if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms along with your lower back pain, it may be a red flag for a more serious condition and you should seek medical attention right away:

  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Numbness or tingling in the genitals or buttocks
  • Severe pain that does not improve with rest or medication
  • Pain that is accompanied by unexplained weight loss or fever

How to Alleviate Lower Back Pain When Lying Down

If you are experiencing lower back pain when lying down, there are several things you can do to alleviate the pain. Here are a few tips:

  • Invest in a good mattress: A good mattress that supports your spine can make a big difference in alleviating lower back pain. Look for a mattress that is not too firm or too soft and supports your spine’s natural curvature.
  • Stretch before bed: Gentle stretching before bed can help relax your muscles and alleviate tension. Try some simple stretches like the knee-to-chest stretch or the hamstring stretch.
  • Use a pillow for support: Using a pillow to support your back or between your knees can help keep your spine in a neutral position, which can alleviate lower back pain.
  • Change your sleeping position: As mentioned earlier, sleeping on your side with a pillow to support your head and neck is the best sleeping position to alleviate lower back pain. If you must sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to keep your spine neutral.
  • Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help strengthen your core muscles and improve your posture, which can alleviate lower back pain. Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about exercises that are safe for your condition.
  • Avoid sitting for long periods: Prolonged sitting can put a lot of pressure on your lower back. Try to take frequent breaks to stand up and stretch throughout the day.

At New Jersey Back Center, we are committed to helping our patients find the root cause of their lower back pain and provide minimally invasive pain treatments that do not involve opioids or surgeries. Before the first appointment, we offer free insurance verification to make the process easier for our patients.

New Jersey Back Center has multiple locations throughout the state, including Clifton, West Orange, Paramus, and Woodland Park, to make it more convenient for patients seeking help with their lower back pain. Our Clifton location is located on Route 46-E, right off NJ-3, and near the garden state parkway. Our West Orange location is near the West Orange High School. And our Woodland Park location is close to Garden State Plaza.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a pain-free life.