The feeling of waking up with an aching back can be an unwelcome one. Patients might find themselves feeling stiff and sore, unable to move freely, or taking part in activities that were easy for them the day before. This can be even more worrying when the pain persists throughout the day or worsens as they move around. So why does it hurt? In this blog, we look at the potential causes of morning back pain and what you can do to help them find relief from the discomfort.
The Causes of Morning Back Pain
There are several potential causes for a person to experience back pain in the morning. Some of these include:
Poor Posture
Poor posture is one of the most common causes of morning back pain. If one is sleeping in a position that puts strain on the spine, such as sleeping in a curled-up position or slouching, then this can result in pain in the morning as well as cause further damage to the spine over time.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can also contribute to morning back pain. When a person is stressed, the body produces hormones that can lead to muscle tension and tightness, leading to a feeling of stiffness or soreness in the back.
Lack of Exercise
Not exercising regularly can also lead to morning back pain. When the muscles are not exercised, they become weaker, which can lead to an increased risk of injury and soreness.
Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms in the back can also be a cause of morning back pain. This can be caused by overworking the muscles or as a result of an underlying condition such as arthritis.
Basically, there are many causes of morning back pain, and it’s important to identify the cause in order to help relieve it. From poor posture to muscle strains and tension, there are several potential causes that can be addressed. So taking a thorough look at the patient’s lifestyle habits and medical history is key to finding relief.
Tips for Relieving Morning Back Pain
Once the cause of the morning back pain has been identified, there are a few tips that can help relieve the discomfort and improve overall well-being:
Improve Posture
Ensuring one maintains good posture during the day and night can help reduce morning back pain. This includes sitting properly, as well as paying attention to the way one sleeps. To help maintain proper posture at night, a supportive mattress and pillow can make all the difference.
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for strengthening the muscles and improving flexibility. This can help reduce stiffness and soreness in the morning and can even help prevent future back pain.
Stress Management
Learning to manage stress is key to preventing muscle tension and tightness, which can lead to morning back pain. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help to relieve stress and relax the muscles.
Hot or Cold Therapy
Applying heat or cold therapy can help provide relief from morning back pain. The heat helps to improve circulation and relax the muscles, while cold can help to reduce inflammation and reduce pain.
These tips can help ease morning back pain, although in cases where the pain is severe, it is best to consider alternatives such as using a spinal decompression machine. This type of therapy can help to reduce pain and improve mobility by stretching the spine, thus making it easier for the patient to get up in the morning and live a more active life. Moreover, it can also help to strengthen the muscles in the back and improve overall posture. So it’s definitely an option to consider when looking for relief from morning back pain.
To Conclude
Morning back pain can be caused by a variety of factors but can be eased through lifestyle changes and physical therapy. So if you or your patients are suffering from morning back pain, contact us today to learn more about how a spinal decompression machine can help relieve discomfort and improve mobility. We can help you get back to living an active life!