Why your back hurts a lot at night: causes and treatment

Many people have back pain at night and it doesn’t bother them at all during the daytime. There can be many reasons for this condition. But in the vast majority of cases, discomfort is associated with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. These may be degenerative dystrophic changes in the cartilaginous tissues of the spinal column, inflammation or deformation of the uncovertebral joints located between adjacent vertebral bodies, various infections, and the consequences of traumatic exposure.

If your back hurts badly at night, you should try to get examined as quickly as possible and begin treatment for the identified disease. It is important to understand that pain cannot appear just like that. This is always a signal from the body that some kind of pathology is observed. The structure of the back is very complex. The chest is responsible for a number of functions. This ensures respiratory movements through the use of intercostal muscles. With proper innervation of the intercostal muscles, no pain is observed. With compression of the nerve fiber or inflammation, intercostal neuralgia may develop.

The second most important function of the chest is the protection and fixation of internal organs: lungs, mediastinum, heart, esophagus. With their pathological changes, characteristic pain in the chest and back may occur at night. Most often they are caused by emphysema (expansion) of the lungs, tuberculous cavities, hypertrophy of the heart muscle, accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavities, etc.

Finding out on your own why your back hurts at night is almost impossible. It is necessary to visit a doctor and carry out the examinations prescribed by him. This could be an x-ray, fluorography, MRI examination, ultrasound of the internal organs of the chest, ECG, etc.

In Moscow, you can visit a vertebrologist in our manual therapy clinic free of charge. All you need to do is call our administrator and make an appointment for a consultation at a time convenient for your visit. During the initial appointment, the vertebrologist will conduct an examination and a series of diagnostic functional tests. This will allow him to make a preliminary diagnosis and give individual recommendations for subsequent examination and treatment.

Why does my back hurt at night in the lumbar region?

Most often, back pain occurs in the lower back at night with the development of osteochondrosis. This is a degenerative dystrophic disease in which the following pathogenetic processes occur:

the muscular frame responsible for diffuse nutrition of cartilage tissue does not work fully;
as a result of this, the process of dehydration of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc begins;
it partially loses its ability to absorb shock when making any movements;
as a result, there is a decrease in the physiological height of the intervertebral disc;
it extends beyond the boundaries of the vertebral body - this is the stage of protrusion;
if the surface of the fibrous ring is significantly cracked when sharp physical pressure is applied, it may rupture - in this case, there is a risk of hernial protrusion of the nucleus pulposus;
extrusion or separation of the prolapsed portion of the nucleus pulposus is called sequestration and in most cases requires emergency surgical intervention.

Manual therapy methods can successfully treat spinal osteochondrosis at any stage except sequestration.

There are other reasons why the lower back hurts at night; first of all, organic diseases of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis should be excluded. In women, a similar symptom can appear during chronic and acute inflammatory processes in the reproductive system (adnexitis, endometritis, uterine fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, etc.). In men, such pain is often associated with dysplasia of the glandular tissue of the prostate, the growth of a benign or malignant tumor. In some cases, night pain in the lower back can be a consequence of inflammation of the rectum, prolapse of hemorrhoids into its lumen, etc.

If your back hurts in the lumbar region at night, then you also need to pay attention to the quality and correct organization of the place to sleep. If the bed base is too soft or too hard, then measures must be taken to eliminate this deficiency. In many cases, it is an improperly organized place for night rest that is the cause of the development of spinal osteochondrosis. The bed should be moderately hard and the mattress should support the spinal column while maintaining all its physiological curves. Complete relaxation of the muscular frame of the back should be achieved. The more complete it is, the higher the chances of full restoration of the energy potential of muscle fibers during a night's rest. Rested muscles will be able to provide reliable support for the spinal column during the working day and will create conditions for complete diffuse nutrition of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc.

Kidney diseases

Another pathology that often manifests itself as lower back pain at night is kidney disease. Typically, kidney inflammation makes itself felt more strongly at night than during the day. It can be stones, sand, pyelonephritis and other diseases. To accurately diagnose them, you need to take a urine test and do an ultrasound of the kidneys. Unfortunately, stones and sand are not always detected after the first examination. In the case of kidney disease, pain is usually accompanied by disturbances in excretory function - you often want to go to the toilet, especially at night, and there may be pain during urination. If you measure the temperature, it is often detected that it increases, especially in the evening.

Lower back pain can also occur at night with osteochondrosis, and not necessarily in an advanced stage. The provoking factor in this case is an uncomfortable bed, a hard or too sagging mattress, lying on which the lower back bends strongly in one direction or another. As a rule, such pain intensifies in the morning; after getting up, a person can barely straighten up, but after a few minutes the pain goes away. For diagnosis, you can take an X-ray of the spine in two projections, CT, or MRI. X-rays and CT scans show bone structures better, while MRI shows soft tissues, so MRI is better at detecting intervertebral hernias.

As you can see, lower back pain at night can have very diverse causes. Therefore, if you do not sleep on bare boards or sitting in a chair, and the pain continues for more than three days, you should consider going to the doctor.

Other causes of nighttime back pain in the lower back when lying down

Constant night back pain is a cause for alarm and an urgent visit to a doctor for examination. The causes of nighttime back pain are so varied that you will not be able to independently determine what disease you are developing.

There are a number of pathologies associated with deformation of the ligamentous tendon apparatus of the spinal column. In total, three types of ligaments provide stability to the spinal column:

the posterior longitudinal ligament ensures stability of the position of the vertebral bodies;
the anterior longitudinal ligament provides mobility and flexibility of the spinal column;
short yellow ligaments are located between adjacent vertebral bodies and provide reliable attachment.

Also, the stability of the position of the vertebral bodies depends on the condition of the intervertebral discs. These are shock-absorbing “pads” that are located between all vertebral bodies. There is no intervertebral disc from the moment of birth until the end of a person’s life between the first and second vertebrae of the cervical spine. Between the sacral vertebrae, intervertebral discs are present from birth until the age of 23–26 years. Then all the sacral vertebrae fuse into a single bone structure. the intervertebral discs between them completely atrophy.

Night back pain when lying down may be associated with instability of the position of the vertebral bodies. And the cause of such pathology may be the following degenerative processes:

deformation of the ligamentous apparatus;
thickening of the longitudinal ligaments and cicatricial degeneration due to traumatic exposure;
systematic stretching of the yellow short ligaments of the spine;
decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc (protrusion);
stretching of the articular cartilaginous capsule of the uncovertebral joint, as a result of which the reliability of fixation of the vertebral body is lost.

As a result of instability of the vertebral position, night pain appears in the lower back, back, and between the shoulder blades - the localization depends on where the prolapsed vertebra is located. At the moment when a person takes a position comfortable for night sleep, the muscular frame of the back relaxes. At the moment of falling asleep, the vertebral body shifts under the influence of static load. Pain can also occur when performing a certain movement (for example, when turning from one side to the other).

This symptom is very alarming, since with a significant displacement of the vertebral body, compression syndrome can be observed. There is a threat of pinching of the radicular nerve and the development of radiculopathy with the loss of the ability of the nerve fiber to properly and fully innervate tissues and organs.

Using a series of x-rays, instability in the position of the vertebral bodies can be detected. Such diseases can be cured using manual therapy, reflexology and therapeutic exercises.

What to do for back pain

If you have severe back pain, our doctors recommend the following:

Lie down, choose a comfortable position in which the pain is least felt and the muscles stop straining. Spend at least 20 minutes in this position until the pain subsides.
Avoid sitting forward, lifting weights, or exercising until the pain subsides.
See your doctor immediately.

Remember, if pain occurs in the spine, treatment cannot be delayed. There is a risk of a serious aggravation of the situation.

If the pain has become unbearable and you need to wait until a doctor or ambulance arrives, do the following:

Lie down on the bed and try to minimize movements and ensure maximum peace. Stillness is your best friend.
Place a soft pillow under your back to reduce stress on your spine.
If you have suitable mild painkillers, you can take a pill to reduce the pain, but it is better not to do this. See the next paragraph for why.
It is recommended not to take any food or drink other than plain water, because if emergency surgery is needed, this may interfere (many procedures can only be performed on an empty stomach). It is also recommended not to give any medications or heat the problem area, because this will distort the clinical picture and prevent you from correctly diagnosing the problem, and, as a result, prescribing the correct treatment.
Applying cold to the sore spot is allowed, even if the cause of the pain is unknown, it will not aggravate any of the common pathologies.

Reasons why back muscles hurt at night

Another group of reasons why back hurts at night includes various pathologies of muscle tissue. This could be myositis, sprains, myofascial syndrome, etc.

Many patients experience pain in their back muscles at night after significant physical activity or as a result of traumatic exposure. If this symptom appears on a regular basis, regardless of physical activity, then poor posture or curvature of the spinal column should be suspected.

With scoliosis, excessive muscle tension occurs on one side and partial dystrophy on the opposite side. With stooping and the development of a “widow’s hump,” increased static loads may occur on the muscles of the collar area and shoulder girdle. This may be accompanied by an increase in blood pressure and general poor health.

Muscle pain in the back at night may indicate improper organization of the place to sleep. It is necessary to consult with a vertebrologist, who will give individual recommendations regarding the ergonomics of organizing a place for night rest.

Why does my back hurt after sleep? Main causes of pain and prevention of back diseases

Various pathologies that occur in the spine, infections, unhealthy lifestyle - all these are provoking factors for ailments.

Main reasons

Osteochondrosis is a disease whose symptom is morning back pain. This disease can occur in different parts of the spine. It is because of this that the patient experiences different pain sensations.

Neck. People with osteochondrosis experience severe pain in the area of the shoulder blades and the back of the head, and there is heaviness in the shoulder region. A symptom is also darkening before the eyes, caused by a disruption in the blood supply to the brain.
Sternum. Aching, constantly repeating the same pain. When standing and walking at a calm pace, a person's muscle groups experience severe tension.
Pain in the vertebral joints. Inflammation can cause some discomfort both in the morning and at night.
Small of the back. The patient begins to feel increasing pain in the early morning. Unpleasant sensations are felt throughout the day. Any, even minor movement increases discomfort. The patient experiences constant fatigue.
Hernia. Discomfort begins in the morning and comes in rolling pain attacks. It is very difficult for a person to bend forward, to the sides, or to turn the body. Difficulty getting out of bed.

Osteochondrosis is not the only reason why people have back and spine pain. Other factors that cause painful discomfort in the morning are:

staying in one position without moving for a long time;
An uncomfortable and cramped place has been chosen for sleeping;
muscles experience severe stress, swelling occurs;
severe stress;
injuries;
curvature of the spine
(accompanied by swelling and spasms);
inflammatory processes in muscle tissue;
change in metabolism;
sedentary, sedentary work;
pathologies of other organs.

Destructive processes often occur in vertebral cartilage. They can also cause morning pain. Their reason is that the basis of cartilage tissue (matrix) cannot retain moisture in the body. The bones begin to rub against each other, the vertebrae are not secured by discs. As a consequence, the appearance of various types of arthrosis. The patient does not always immediately consult a doctor in case of severe pain. But there is no need to neglect such a disease - treatment will require a lot of effort and time.

Where should I go?

With severe morning pain in the spine, many patients do not know which doctor to go to. But one doctor will not help here - you need complex treatment with consultation of many specialists.

First of all, if you have these symptoms, contact your GP. He will direct you to take the necessary tests and provide advice. The affected area of the body will have to be examined using ultrasound. You will also need to undergo an ECG, MRI and fluorography. The doctor will refer you further after the results are given.

It is necessary to go to a urologist if you have pain in the organs of the urinary system. A pulmonologist will check the condition of the respiratory organs and lungs. A variety of disorders in the endocrine system can result from osteoporosis - this is dealt with by an endocrinologist. An orthopedist examines pathologies of cartilage and spine. In addition to the specialists listed above, you can consult a surgeon, massage therapist, or alternative therapy doctor.

treatment of osteochondrosis

Treatment for this condition, which causes painful discomfort in the back, includes:

Reflexology.
Massages.
Therapeutic gymnastics.
Wearing a frame.

The muscles will begin to strengthen, and the therapeutic frame will help the patient evenly distribute the muscle load and maintain correct posture. Blood supply will improve, strengthening muscle tissue will allow you to more effectively support the spine, and morning back pain will decrease.

Other diseases as a cause of back pain

The diagnosis will determine the course of future treatment. The exclusion of osteochondrosis indicates the presence of another disease.

Surgeries are performed to remove injuries and hernias that cause pain in the morning. They are carried out without external incisions, but through punctures using a laser, radio waves, and other methods. Compressed nerves are released without unnecessary damage.

Urology problems are treated with medications. Antibacterial agents form the basis of therapy. In case of special indications for kidney problems, surgery is performed.

Mandatory testing is necessary for metabolic disorders. It is necessary to check a person's hormonal background. Hormonal therapy is prescribed by an endocrinologist if abnormalities are detected. Treatment consists of hormones given by injection or orally.

To relieve tension and muscle swelling, special medications are prescribed. Therapeutic massages are also necessary.

Prevention of spinal diseases

First of all, the place to sleep and work should be comfortable and suitable. You need to sleep on a semi-rigid bed - the best option for your back. A hard surface is contraindicated for healthy people, but for those with serious problems with the spine, hard sleeping places are perfect.

When working, you should sit in a comfortable chair with a high back that supports your posture. While walking, keep your back straight and do not bend. Exercise and going to the gym should be part of your life on a regular basis.

Muscle inflammation can begin if you have a cold, so do not stay in drafts for a long time.
It is not recommended to lift heavy objects, but if necessary, always keep your back straight. Contact an orthopedist or take a massage course if you have problems. Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr

Back pain in the shoulder blade area at night

Many patients have back pain when lying down at night due to poor posture and as a result of serious deformation of the spinal column. It only seems at first glance that the habit of bending your back while sitting or standing is not a serious vice. in fact, in such a position, deformation of all tissues of the spinal column occurs. The pathological process begins with a sprain of the ligamentous apparatus. After the posterior and anterior longitudinal ligaments of the spine are deformed, it becomes increasingly difficult for the patient to straighten his back - his posture is disturbed.

Then deformation of the vertebral bodies and the intervertebral discs separating them begins. Unnatural positions of the vertebrae arise, then the ligaments and fibrous rings of the intervertebral discs become deformed, and incorrect posture appears.

In most cases, if the back hurts in the area of the shoulder blades at night, the patient is diagnosed with the development of scoliosis. This is a curvature of the spinal column with a deviation to the left or right side. Emergency help is required as this disease tends to get worse quickly.

What to do if your back starts to hurt at night?

If your back hurts at night, the first thing to do is seek medical help. It is best to visit a vertebrologist. This specialist will help you draw up an examination plan based on the results of the initial examination. An individual course of treatment will then be developed.

Usually, the back begins to hurt at night due to osteochondrosis. This degenerative disease is most easily treated using manual therapy techniques. In our manual therapy clinic, treatment usually begins with spinal column traction procedures. This procedure allows you to restore the physiological state of the spine, increase intervertebral spaces, relieve pain, and create conditions for straightening compressed cartilaginous discs.

After normalization of the patient's condition, a course of rehabilitation therapy begins. Reflexology, kinesiotherapy, osteopathy, therapeutic massage and gymnastics are used.

You can sign up for a free initial consultation with a chiropractor or vertebrologist in our clinic right now. During the first appointment, the doctor will make a diagnosis and tell you how to treat nighttime back pain.

Methods for treating back pain

Doctors at the Health Workshop use 14 non-surgical methods: from soft massage techniques and osteopathy to laser and physiotherapy. To ensure that the treatment is as effective as possible, we offer each patient an individual set of procedures using medications only to relieve pain at the beginning of the course.

The “Health Workshop” in St. Petersburg will help you get rid of back pain, relieve swelling and inflammation at the site of the lesion, normalize metabolic processes, strengthen the back muscles and restore the normal position of the spine. Freedom of movement will return to you, you will feel a surge of vigor.

As part of rehabilitation, for each patient, the clinic specialist draws up a personal plan of physical activity for independent exercise, aimed at consolidating the results of treatment and preventing diseases.