Causes of Lower Back Pain When Lying Down and Treatment

From verywellhealth.com

There are many potential reasons for experiencing lower back pain when lying down. 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 can described as dull, sharp, throbbing, and more.

Pain in the lower back (or lumbar region) while lying down can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep, and may affect the way the lumbar muscles, ligaments, vertebrae, and nerves work together to provide control and strength for daily movements and activities.

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Possible Causes

Night-time back pain isn’t always a sign of a serious health condition, especially if it only happens occasionally or for a short period of time. But when nocturnal back pain is frequent and bothersome, it might be time to get it checked out. Some of the most common reasons for having back pain while lying down include:

• Strain or sprain: As the most common causes of low back pain, lumbar strains and sprains happen when muscles or ligaments are stretched too far.
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS): This rare form of arthritis characterized by chronic inflammation in the back and neck tends to improve with exercise and worsen at night.
• Degenerative disc disease (DDD): Gradual deterioration of the spinal discs and vertebrae due to aging can lead to painful, restless nights.
• Spine osteoarthritis: Pain from wear and tear on the joints of the spine may intensify at night due to inactivity.
• Sciatica: The vertebrae in the lower back can further irritate the sciatic nerve in certain sleeping positions, leading to radiating pain in the lower body.
• Spinal tumour: Although rare, pain from a tumour or growth on the spine can worsen when lying down due to direct pressure on the area.

Other causes of lower back pain while lying down include conditions like scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, and spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column.

Night time back pain can also be a symptom of kidney stones, endometriosis, certain cancers, pregnancy, and other forms of arthritis. Keep in mind that it’s rare that night time back pain is caused by a tumour, infection, or AS.

When to See a Doctor

Night-time back pain that wakes you up from sleep or prevents you from sleeping is likely a sign that it's time to discuss the issue with your doctor. Remember that along with lower back pain, muscle stiffness and a limited range of motion are also often reported, especially if the cause is a strain or sprain. 

It's also helpful to know how pain is commonly categorized:

Acute pain is short-term pain lasting a few days or a few weeks. It’s typically connected to an injury or specific instance. 

Chronic pain is longer-term pain lasting for several months or more. In many cases, it isn't initiated by an injury.

While each individual's situation and pain threshold will be different, there are some common guidelines that'll help decide when your night-time lower back pain merits a trip to the doctor. It's a good idea to visit your doctor as soon as possible if your pain:

Began with a specific injury

Continues or gets worse for more than a few days

Feels severe or radiates to other parts of the body, like your legs

Is accompanied by signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or fever

Is accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling in your lower body

Checking with your primary care doctor or other first-line health care professional is a good start. They will be able to either treat or refer you to another specialist, if needed.

For example, if your doctor suspects your back pain at night could be related to an overall inflammatory condition, you may be referred to a rheumatologist (who specializes in arthritis and diseases that involve the bones, muscles, and joints) for further evaluation.

Consider seeking immediate medical attention if you have a personal history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, or sudden bladder control issues in addition to lower back pain while lying down.

Diagnosis

To get to the bottom of your nocturnal back pain, your doctor will start with a physical exam and review of your medical history to identify or rule out any serious conditions.

Your doctor will be interested in the specifics of your discomfort and will ask you to describe your pain. You should be prepared to give details on when the pain started, what makes it worse or better, its quality and intensity, and whether you've noticed any additional symptoms like numbness or tingling.

Aside from the basic examination, there are some other tests that the doctor could order to help with the diagnosis, including:

• Neurologic tests, or movement screenings, can measure muscle strength to determine if the pain is nerve-related.
• Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, can help rule out specific causes of pain such as cancer, infection, or fracture. 
• Lab tests like a complete blood count may be helpful for concerning symptoms such as a fever, which may suggest a possible infection, or unexplained weight loss, which may suggest cancer or inflammatory arthritis like AS.

Treatment

Treatment for lower back pain at night can vary depending on the exact diagnosis. In general, for the most common conditions, doctors will usually recommend remedies to alleviate discomfort at bedtime, such as:

• Applying heat or ice
• Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever
• Gentle stretching or light (not vigorous) exercise
• Physical therapy to strengthen core muscle groups that support the low back
• Spinal injections such as corticosteroid or epidural

Because the lower back pain is occurring at night, your doctor will also likely recommend approaches to improve your sleeping environment, which involves your sleeping position, pillows, and mattress.

Complementary at-home remedies may also be incorporated into your treatment plan. These include:

• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care

When the pain is severe and cannot be relieved with non-invasive methods, it's possible that your doctor may recommend surgery to treat certain conditions like degenerative disk disease, sciatica, spinal osteoarthritis, and sometimes ankylosing spondylitis.

If you've been diagnosed with cancer, spinal tumour, or another serious condition, your doctor will discuss treatment options that may include surgery, radiation therapy, or another immediate intervention.

Coping

While not all conditions that cause night-time lower back pain can be prevented, there are several strategies you can implement to help keep your back healthy and hopefully pain-free. Many experts suggest the following to help prevent the progression of pain:

Maintain a healthy weight.

Practice good posture.

Avoid movements or heavy lifting that can strain the back.

Avoid smoking, which some research suggests can increase the risk of chronic back pain.

Use ergonomically friendly chairs (furniture that's designed to minimize physical discomfort) at home and work, if possible.

Switch sitting positions and take frequents breaks to walk or stretch during the day.

Wear comfortable, low-heeled, supportive shoes.

Keep in mind that there are also some risk factors that can increase the chances of getting low back pain. These include excess body weight, a sedentary lifestyle, lifting heavy objects, and repetitive bending or twisting or the lower back.

Getting Quality Sleep

Experiencing night-time lower back pain can make it especially difficult to get quality sleep, which is an important part of recovery for many conditions causing the pain. To improve your sleep while dealing with lower back pain at night, experts recommend these tips:

• Find a sleeping position that supports your specific back condition.
• Choose a mattress that will keep your spine aligned.
• Use pillow support to prop up certain body parts, alleviating pressure and strain on the low back.

A Word From Verywell

Lower back pain while lying down can be especially frustrating, even after you have a diagnosis. When the pain interferes with your ability to get the sleep your body needs to recover, it opens the door to other health issues that are linked to poor sleep.

Any lower back pain that only occurs when you're lying down or regularly wakes you up in the middle of the night should be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible, so you can get back to the restful sleep your body deserves.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/lower-back-pain-when-lying-down-5100822#citation-11

What causes buttock pain when sitting?

From medicalnewstoday.com

There are many reasons a person may experience pain in their buttocks when sitting. The causes range from minor injuries and bruises to more severe conditions, such as sciatica and damaged disks.

People spend a lot of time sitting down, and experiencing pain in the buttocks when sitting can cause concern. Pain in this area can be temporary due to a bruise or minor injury, but it can also result from a more serious, long-term condition.

In this article, we discuss possible symptoms and causes of buttock pain, diagnosis, and when a person should seek medical attention.

Symptoms

ideabug/Getty Images

Symptoms may vary depending on the cause and location of the pain and can include:

• bruising or discoloration
• numbness and tingling
• tingling in the legs
• a sore tailbone (coccyx)
• swelling
• difficulty moving the muscle
• difficulty moving from a sitting to a standing position

Sometimes, the pain may go away on its own. Other times, medical treatment may be necessary.

Causes

There is a variety of reasons a person may experience pain in the buttocks when sitting down.

Conditions that may cause pain in the buttocks include:

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that results from compression or obstruction of the sciatic nerves. These are the two largest nerves in the body. They run from the lower spine, through the buttocks, to the knees.

Compressions due to a disk prolapse or the narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort.

Sciatica can cause shooting pain, tingling, or numbness anywhere from the buttocks to the legs.

People may find that symptoms worsen when they sit for long periods, move, sneeze, or cough. Sciatica often resolves in 4–6 weeks, but sometimes it can last longer.

Treatment may include:

• over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• exercises and stretches
• heat packs
• physical therapy
• pain relief injections
• a procedure to prevent nerves in the back from sending pain signals
• surgery

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pain-in-bottom-when-sitting

5 Top Tips to Prevent and Treat Pregnancy Back Pain

From creators.com

By Jennifer Bright

Back pain is the bane of many women's pregnancies. With weight gain, hormonal surges and a shifting centre of gravity, back pain is pretty inevitable.

If the pain is in your tailbone, it might help to sit on a donut pillow. This gives some space between your tailbone and the seat. Exercise might help, especially walking. Besides exercising, rest whenever you can. Often, prenatal massage can also ease the pain.

One particular type of back pain is especially troublesome. Sciatic nerve pain is an excruciating pain that you feel in your butt and radiating down the back of one or both legs. Sciatic pain might be caused by your uterus pressing on your sciatic nerve. The nerve can become inflamed, which causes pain; pins and needles; and even numbness.

You might try hot or cold compresses to manage the pain. But the good news is, it should go away after your baby is born. Trying to prevent back pain now can go a long way to keeping you comfortable later.

Here's what our Mommy M.D.s — doctors who are also mothers — do to prevent and treat pregnancy back pain.

"During my pregnancy, I was seeing 35 patients a day," says Mary Mason, M.D., a mom of two, an internist and the chief medical officer for a multi-state managed care company that coordinates care for about 70,000 pregnant moms on Medicaid a year. "I was having some troubles with back pain, and I found that swimming helped a lot."

"I'm 4 feet, 11 inches tall, and I was not one of those ideal weight gainers," says Kathie Bowling, M.D., a mom of three grown sons and an OB-GYN in private practice in Providence, Rhode Island. "I put on 40 pounds with each pregnancy. (The ideal is 25, and most women gain between 35 and 40 pounds.) That was a lot of weight to lug around on my frame. I had bad sciatic pain. One thing that helped was to rest lying on the side opposite of my pain."

"During the third trimester of one pregnancy, I had sciatica, which is pain in the lower back that runs down the leg. There's not much you can do for that when you're pregnant. I went to a massage therapist who specialized in treating pregnant women and had a massage. The massage did help a bit — temporarily. But better yet was the hour of relaxing and being pampered," says Lezli Braswell, M.D., a mom of one daughter and two sons and a family medicine physician in Columbus, Georgia

"The further along I got in my pregnancy, the more my back ached," says Rallie McAllister, M.D., MPH, mom of three, co-author of "The Mommy MD Guide to Your Baby's First Year," nationally recognized health expert and family physician in Lexington, Kentucky. "Placing a pillow in the small of my back while I was seated helped my lower back, but it didn't touch the muscle tension and aching that had settled in my neck and between my shoulders. It finally occurred to me that my growing breasts were responsible for much of the strain on my upper back, and my slightly flimsy pre-pregnancy bra just wasn't providing enough support."

"I wasn't quite ready to graduate to a nursing bra, but I did find that by wearing a sturdy sports bra most of the time, my heavier breasts didn't put such a big strain on my neck, shoulders, and upper back," McAllister adds. "I bought a few extra sports bras in my new size, and found that when I wore them at home and at work, I was a lot more comfortable, and my muscles weren't nearly as tired or as tense by the end of the day."

When to Call the Doctor

You should let your doctor or midwife know if you are experiencing back pain during pregnancy. If the back pain is severe or if you are feeling numbness, call your doctor or midwife right away. Back pain can be a signal of premature labour.

Other symptoms of premature labour include vaginal discharge, contractions, abdominal pain and menstrual-like cramps. You should call your doctor or midwife right away if you think you are having preterm labour.

Jennifer Bright is a mom of four sons, co-founder and CEO of family- and veteran- owned custom publisher Momosa Publishing, co-founder of the Mommy MD Guides team of 150+ mommy M.D.s, and co-author of "The Mommy MD Guide to the Toddler Years." She lives in Hellertown, Pennsylvania. To find out more about Jennifer Bright and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

https://www.creators.com/read/tips-from-the-mommy-md-guides/01/21/5-top-tips-to-prevent-and-treat-pregnancy-back-pain

HIIT and Weightlifting Helped Me Lose 50 Pounds and Fix My Back Pain

From menshealth.com

By Marco Sebastian Lopez

I got bullied a lot in high school because I was really skinny and easy to pick on. I started weightlifting around 15 years old because I wanted to get bigger, and it helped to not get bullied so much. But I kept eating to gain size, and eventually, I was getting fat—I just couldn’t see it. That was in my early 20s.

I work in tech, so I sit all day working on websites or designing—whatever. Posture hits people like us the most: back pain, sciatica, just to name a few. I had those, and they got worse as I got heavier, but I always attributed the pain to other things, like not exercising correctly, and perhaps injuring myself.

At my heaviest, I weighed around 250 pounds. I would get tired easily going up and down stairs, my sex drive was low, and I was depressed without really even knowing it. I was also quite anxious. I was 33.

I would also get tired doing any type of cardio, and the depression was not necessarily because I was overweight. More or less, I was overweight because of anxiety and depression. Those two were huge ruling factors in my overall mental and physical health at the time.

The turning point came when I visit my doctor about terrible sciatica pain. I didn’t even think I was obese; I thought I’d just picked up an injury. Toward the end of my visit, he asked—in the nicest way possible—if I ever considered losing fat, because my belly was probably causing my back pain. I was carrying around 28 percent body fat, and having a belly was more than likely a major factor playing into my sciatica and back pain.

To turn things around, I really had to start with my mental and emotional state. Anxiety and depression had me eating a lot; talking through with a therapist some of my issues really helped. I worked with a therapist for a total of 4 years before and during my weight loss process. After a tough breakup I went to the Grand Canyon; when I saw myself in a picture from the trip, I realized I needed to take care of myself. I was 252 pounds. That photo put a lot of things into perspective, especially my physical health.

I started HIIT classes three to four times a week, then hitting the gym on my own three or four days a week. I saw really quick results—dropping to about 195 pounds in four months in 2018—but it was pretty brutal exercising that much on a 1900-calorie-a-day diet. In 2019, I put about 20 pounds back on, and after being dumped in March of 2020, I decided to push myself further and get where I'm at now—about 208 pounds, but much leaner.

I’ve had a couple rebounds where I’ve gained weight, and right now I’ve gotten even leaner, so I’m looking to put on more mass.

I started posting my quarantine workouts on Instagram and Facebook this year while I was slimming down. I used to be embarrassed to post pictures on social media showing my belly; now I have no problem doing that. A lot of my family and friends were shocked, giving me a lot of positive feedback.

Most importantly, I’m pain-free now. I’m really happy and more confident. Focusing on improving myself during quarantine really just took me to a new level of happiness that I have never experienced, not even in my 20s.

People ask me for advice now, I always say the biggest motivating factor is you. There’s no waving a magic wand to summon your motivation, or transform how you look. It has to come from inside—don’t compare yourself to other people, but think about what makes you unique. Treat yourself with respect, and honour the fact that you are not perfect; no one is. —As told to Jesse Hicks

https://www.menshealth.com/weight-loss/a35035018/weightlifting-back-pain-hiit-50-pound-weight-loss-transformation/

Foods to Avoid When You Have Sciatica

From vivaglammagazine.com

A common cause of sciatica is inflammation, resulting in a sharp pain that extends from your lower back to your legs and feet. Unfortunately, eating the wrong foods can make this condition worse. As such, you have to know these foods and eliminate them from your diet. So, what are the foods to avoid when you have sciatica?

1. Sugary Products

Sugary products are among the most common foods to avoid when you have sciatica. The reason is that high sugar consumption for a long period can eventually result in weight gain and inflammation. Aside from that, it may also lead to various health conditions, such as type-2 diabetes and heart diseases.

Unfortunately, a lot of products have high sugar content, such as sauces, breakfast cereals, and other processed foods. The reason is that sugar is the so-called “secret” ingredient to make foods more flavorful. Because of this, you should always check product labels and avoid those with corn syrup, cane juice, and substances ending in -ose (glucose and dextrose).

2. Refined Carbohydrates

People with sciatica should avoid refined carbohydrates, like pasta and white bread, because these food products contain various compounds that can cause inflammation, such as gluten and sugar. Aside from that, refined carbohydrates are digested quickly, leading to a spike in your blood sugar. As a result, your body will create an inflammatory response to remove excess sugar in your blood.

Unfortunately, eliminating carbohydrates is not an option because they are your body’s primary source of energy. As a solution, you can opt for whole grains or gluten-free products instead of refined carbohydrates.

3. Vegetable Oils

Aside from those food products, people with sciatica should also avoid vegetable oils, such as corn, canola, and safflower oil. The reason is due to the high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids present in these oils. Keep in mind that your body needs omega-6 fatty acids; however, there should be a balance between the omega-6 and omega-3 in your body. Having high amounts of omega-6 will eventually cause inflammation.

An excellent alternative for vegetable oils is olive oil. The reason is that olive oil has anti-inflammatory agents that can help ease your pain.

4. Red Meat

Finally, the last foods to avoid when you have sciatica are red meat. As you know, all kinds of red meat have high amounts of saturated fat, which can cause inflammation. Instead of red meat, you can opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids because they have anti-inflammatory properties. The best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids are nuts and seeds.

All in all, avoiding the foods mentioned above will not only ease sciatic pain but good for your overall health as well. Remember, most of these foods can also cause ailments, such as heart diseases.

https://vivaglammagazine.com/foods-to-avoid-when-you-have-sciatica/

Foods to Eat for Sciatica

From vivaglammagazine.com

Sciatica is a painful condition that can alter your life. This illness has several causes. For one, it can be due to an irritated sciatic nerve. Another reason is due to systemic inflammation. The good news is that there are numerous ways to help manage the pain caused by sciatica. One, in particular, is eating the right kind of foods. To give you a better view, here is a list of the best foods for sciatica.

1. Nuts

Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This substance is not only good for the heart. It can also reduce inflammation and help your body heal faster. A bonus is that nuts are also packed with protein, a macronutrient necessary for muscle building and healing.

2.Blueberries

Blueberries are among the best foods for sciatica due to various reasons. For one, this flavourful fruit contains anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Additionally, it also has quercetin, a substance that can reduce inflammation and pain. The best part is that blueberries are rich in fibre, low in sugar, and high in vitamins and minerals.

2.Blueberries

Blueberries are among the best foods for sciatica due to various reasons. For one, this flavourful fruit contains anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Additionally, it also has quercetin, a substance that can reduce inflammation and pain. The best part is that blueberries are rich in fibre, low in sugar, and high in vitamins and minerals.

3.Pineapple

Adding pineapples to your smoothies is beneficial. The reason is not only because it adds a tropical taste to your drink. This sweet and tasty fruit is also rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamin C. Plus, it contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion and fights inflammation.

4. Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are among the best foods for sciatica because of their high magnesium contents. According to studies, magnesium can help reduce inflammation and promote sciatic nerve regeneration. The highly recommended leafy greens you can eat are kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and collard greens.

5. Mushrooms

Aside from being a popular meat alternative, mushrooms can also help in pain management caused by sciatica. The reason is due to its ergothioneine contents. This phytochemical is not only a potent antioxidant. It can also boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.

6. Spices

Spices are known to add flavour to any meal. Additionally, they are also great foods for sciatica. Turmeric, for instance, has curcumin, a substance with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Onions, on the other hand, contain quercetin, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. The last example is ginger. This yellow spice has gingerol that can strengthen your immune system and fight inflammation.

7. Soybeans

Aside from being a great source of protein, soybeans also contain genistein. This compound can help reduce inflammation by inhibiting your body’s production of pro-inflammatory molecules.

All in all, sciatica is an excruciating condition; however, it is manageable, especially if you eat the right kind of foods.

https://vivaglammagazine.com/foods-to-eat-for-sciatica/

Back pain causes pope to skip Vatican New Year’s ceremonies

From fox19.com

VATICAN CITY (AP) — A back condition has forced Pope Francis to skip New Year’s ceremonies at St. Peter’s Basilica, a Vatican spokesman said Thursday.

Francis was suffering from “painful sciatica” and could not preside at an hour-long, year-end prayer service Thursday evening, spokesman Matteo Bruni said. The pope also won’t celebrate Mass in the basilica n New Year’s Day for the same reason, he said.

Francis has spoken openly about his sciatica in the past. It is a form of pain in the lower body caused by compression or irritation on nerve roots or on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower spine down the thigh.

Bruni said Francis still plans to deliver his scheduled New Year’s blessing at noon Friday during an appearance in the library of the Apostolic Palace.

The pontiff already had prepared his homily for New Year’s Eve. A Vatican cardinal filling in for him read it aloud during the evening vespers service.

The service traditionally gives thanks for the year just ending. In his homily, Francis wondered if it “seems forced to thank God at the end of a year such as this, marked by the pandemic.”

“Thoughts go to the families who have lost one or more family members. We think of those who had been ill, to all those who suffered loneliness, to those who lost jobs,’' Francis wrote in the homily, delivered by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals.

Pope Francis will not lead New Year’s ceremonies due to sciatica. (Source: Telepace via CNN)

Francis encouraged Roman Catholic faithful trying to make sense out of 2020 to banish any idea that God is “cynical and pitiless.”

Instead, the pope cited the oft-told Gospel parable of the good Samaritan, and gave it a pandemic twist.

“The good Samaritan, when he comes upon that poor man, half-dead, on the edge of the road, doesn’t give a speech to explain to him the sense of what happened to him, perhaps to convince him that in the end it was good for him,” Francis wrote. “The Samaritan, moved by compassion, bends down by that stranger, treating him like a brother and took care of him, doing all that was in his possibilities.”

Francis then thanked God for all those who helped others during the COVID-19 pandemic without making a fuss of it. He said doctors, nurses and volunteers on the front line deserve “our prayers and our recognition.” He expressed gratitude to school officials and teachers “who must face a very complex situation” in the pandemic.

To discourage crowds in St. Peter’s Square during a COVID-19 surge in Italy, Francis lately has moved his weekly and holiday blessing appearances inside the Vatican instead of greeting faithful from a palace window overlooking the square.

https://www.fox19.com/2020/12/31/back-pain-causes-pope-skip-vatican-new-years-ceremonies/