How to relieve back pain while sleeping

If you sleep on your side, put the pillow between your knees and draw them up slightly toward your chest. If you like to sleep on your back, try the pillow under your knees, or roll up a small towel and place it under the small of your back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach because it puts a lot of strain on your back.

Also called nocturnal or nighttime back pain, some of the most common causes include injuries, like a strain, and conditions like arthritis or sciatica. The pain can range from mild to debilitating and is often described as dull, sharp, or throbbing.

Use heat and cold

Studies show that heat and cold are effective ways to get relief from back pain. Ice packs are most beneficial when a person uses them directly after an injury, such as a strain. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel directly to the back can reduce inflammation.

Nocturnal back pain is also a symptom of spinal bone infection (osteomyelitis) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a condition that can cause the spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position. Other “red flags” include: Back pain that spreads down one or both legs. Weakness, numbness, or tingling in legs.

Intervertebral discs wear down and lose their ability to cushion the vertebrae. Discs can also become herniated or ruptured, causing a bulging disc that may compress spinal nerves and cause pain. The nerves may get more compressed when sitting, making back pain worse when lying down or sitting.

Back Pain Symptom Checker:

Typically, pain originating in your spine will look a little different than pain from a muscle. You may have a more burning or electric type pain, or your pain may be constant. With spinal-issue pain, you may also have pain that “shoots” down your leg or into your glutes.

Many people say that sleeping on the floor helps them get a better night’s sleep, improves their posture, and reduces their back pain. However, there is little evidence to suggest that sleeping on the floor is any better than opting for a medium firm mattress.

Strains and sprains: Back strains and sprains are the most common cause of back pain. You can injure muscles, tendons or ligaments by lifting something too heavy or not lifting safely. Some people strain their back by sneezing, coughing, twisting or bending over.

Kidney pain is felt higher and deeper in your body than back pain. You may feel it in the upper half of your back, not the lower part. Unlike back discomfort, it’s felt on one or both sides, usually under your rib cage.