Morning Pain

[RailHead]

For many years, at least since 1995, I have had lower back pain upon waking in the morning--my back pain is only due to laying in a horizontal position.  At one time, I tried the Select Comfort bed, but that did not help.  Once I stand, the pain goes away or mostly ceases.  From x-rays, the very lowest disc is mostly flattened, and there is some arthritic growth present at the lower spine.  I have been able to get by because, as mentioned, once I got up, the pain diminished.  My physician suggests pain medication and back exercises.  Back exercises and my wife's use of Myotherapy helps some.  In recent years, I have developed sensitivities to OTC pain relievers and Tramadol, so those cannot be used.  In the last couple of years, the problem has gotten to the point where the pain is interfering with my sleep, and it is often carrying over into the day, leading to a substantial headache.  Believe it or not, hot chocolate 30 minutes before bedtime has helped me sleep through the night, along with using a heating pad.  Any ideas to alleviate my pain?

[Nickey1]

I'm not a doctor, BUT I had the SAME issues for years.  Once I started to work out, crunches in particular, and stregnthened my stomach muscles, it's like the pain mysterioulsly dissappeared.............haven't had them since.

[Prem Pillay, MD]

I would suggest that you get an MRI of the lumbar spine. If the problem is mild herniated discs then physical therapy and mild pain medication is useful. A spine mattress can be tried. A muscle relaxant at night may reduce muscle tension in the mornings. Simple back stretches before going to bed and in bed in the am before getting out of bed are helpful.