Why Does My Back Hurt When I Wake Up?

If you wake up in the morning with back pain, you are not alone. Many people in experience stiffness or discomfort first thing in the morning, only to feel slightly better as the day goes on. While it may seem normal, waking up with back pain is often a sign that something is not functioning properly in your spine.

One common reason for morning back pain is poor sleep posture. The position you sleep in can place stress on certain areas of the spine for several hours at a time. Sleeping on your stomach, using the wrong pillow, or having a mattress that no longer provides proper support can all contribute to strain. When your spine stays in an awkward position overnight, muscles and joints can become irritated and stiff.

Another cause of morning back pain is limited spinal mobility. During the night, your body is inactive for an extended period. If certain joints in your spine are already restricted, that lack of movement can make stiffness more noticeable when you wake up. Once you start moving around, circulation increases and the spine begins to loosen, which is why the pain sometimes improves as the day goes on.

Inflammation can also play a role. Small misalignments or joint dysfunction in the spine may create irritation in surrounding tissues. When you lie still for hours, inflammation can settle into those areas, leading to discomfort when you first get out of bed. This is especially common in the lower back and neck.

Seeing a chiropractor can help determine why you are waking up with back pain. A thorough evaluation allows your chiropractor to assess spinal movement, posture habits, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to the issue. Chiropractic adjustments are designed to improve joint motion and reduce irritation, helping your spine function more efficiently.

If your back hurts every morning or the stiffness seems to be getting worse, it may be time to address the root cause instead of simply stretching and hoping it goes away. At Columbia Family Chiropractic, the focus is on helping patients move better, feel better, and wake up without daily discomfort. Scheduling an evaluation can be the first step toward more comfortable mornings and a healthier spine.