Ouch! Are you dealing with back pain at night? This common problem can majorly impact your sleep, leading to discomfort during both the daytime and also nighttime hours. But what causes back pain- and how can you fix it? We’ll share the most common answers below.
Common Causes For Back Pain at Night
For some patients, nightly back pain isn’t caused by a back problem at all. Stress, sleeping positions, and even your mattress type can all cause discomfort. For instance, your mattress might need to be replaced. Mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 10 years, but few of us actually do this. Sleeping on your stomach or sides can also impact sleep, as these positions don’t offer good spine support.
Of course, injuries and illnesses can also cause back pain. Scoliosis, kidney stones, pregnancy, and plenty of other conditions can impact your back. Ask your doctor if you suspect you have one of these issues.
Signs of Something Serious
Back pain usually has a simple explanation. However, sometimes back pain can indicate a serious problem. See a doctor if the pain is debilitating, or if the pain developed because of an injury. Pain that comes with numbness or weakness should also be examined. Also be sure to check for signs of infection, such as fever, swelling, or weight loss.
Finally, see a doctor if you have a family history or other risk factors for cancer. While it’s rare, back pain might indicate certain types of cancer.
Finding Relief
There are a few different pain relief options you can try. Firstly, make changes to your sleep habits in order to reduce pain at night. Then, talk to your doctor about any lingering pain. They will check your symptoms and recommend a treatment, such as a medication or physical therapy.
How an Urgent Care Can Help
Don’t wait for relief! If you have back pain at night, then you need a solution ASAP. At San Ramon Urgent Care, we can check for serious issues while recommending pain relief for mild problems. Visit one of our clinics and learn how you can sleep pain-free.