Lower back pain when lying down can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Poor sleep position: Sleeping on your stomach or in awkward positions can misalign your spine, putting strain on muscles and joints, leading to pain.
- Mattress issues: A mattress that does not provide the right support or is too soft or too firm can cause strain on your back.
- Muscle strain or ligament sprain: Overstretching or tearing due to injury or overuse can cause pain exacerbated by certain positions.
- Degenerative disc disease: Wear and tear on spinal discs over time can lead to progressive pain.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: A type of arthritis that causes inflammation in spinal joints, worsening pain especially at night.
- Spinal tumors or growths: Pressure on the spine from tumors can cause pain that worsens when lying down.
- Other conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, sciatica, scoliosis, or arthritis that affect spine alignment or nerve pressure.
- Postural issues like hyperextension of the lower back or anterior pelvic tilt from tight hip flexors or prolonged sitting can cause lower back pain that worsens when lying flat.
Additionally, decreased movement at night can allow stiffness to set in, and inflammation may increase, heightening pain sensitivity when lying down. If the pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by symptoms like fever, weakness, leg pain, weight loss, or bladder problems, it is important to seek medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions. Adjusting sleep positions (avoiding sleeping on the stomach), improving mattress support, gentle stretching, and consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan are recommended to manage lower back pain when lying down.
