{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-post-js","path":"/blog/v/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up/","result":{"data":{"markdownRemark":{"id":"e30a9847-a48a-5fd6-ae16-9efce61db357","htmlAst":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"If you are wondering “why does my back hurt when I wake up,” here is the short answer:"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Morning back pain is often related to sleep position, mattress support, muscle stiffness, or underlying spine conditions."}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"In many cases, the pain improves as you start moving, but persistent symptoms may need evaluation."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Quick Answer: Why Is Back Pain Worse in the Morning?"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Back pain in the morning may be caused by:"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ul","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Muscle stiffness after inactivity"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Sleep position that places stress on the spine"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Lack of proper mattress or pillow support"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Underlying spine conditions such as disc irritation"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Common Causes of Morning Back Pain"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ol","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Muscle Stiffness After Sleep"}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"During sleep, the body remains in one position for an extended period."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This can lead to:"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ul","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Tight or stiff muscles"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Reduced flexibility upon waking"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Pain often improves with movement."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ol","properties":{"start":2},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Sleep Position"}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Certain sleep positions may place strain on the spine."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"For example:"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ul","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Sleeping on your stomach may strain the lower back"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Poor neck or back alignment during sleep"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"div","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"span","properties":{},"children":[]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ol","properties":{"start":3},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Mattress or Pillow Support"}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"A mattress that is too soft or too firm may not properly support the spine."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This can lead to:"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ul","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Poor spinal alignment"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Increased stress on muscles and joints"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"div","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"span","properties":{},"children":[]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ol","properties":{"start":4},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Underlying Spine Conditions"}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Morning back pain may also be related to:"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ul","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Herniated discs"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Degenerative changes"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Inflammation around spinal structures"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"These conditions may cause stiffness or discomfort after periods of rest."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"When Is Morning Back Pain Not Serious?"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Morning back pain may not be serious if it:"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ul","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Improves shortly after getting out of bed"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Occurs occasionally"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Is not associated with other symptoms"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"When Should You Be Concerned?"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"You should consider medical evaluation if your pain:"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ul","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Persists beyond a few weeks"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Is getting worse over time"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Does not improve with movement"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Is associated with numbness, tingling, or weakness"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Affects your daily activities"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"If you are unsure whether your symptoms are serious, read "},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"/blog/v/is-my-lower-back-pain-serious-signs-you-should-not-ignore"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Is My Lower Back Pain Serious? Signs You Should Not Ignore"}]},{"type":"text","value":"."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"When Should You See a Doctor Near You?"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"You should seek care if:"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ul","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Pain is persistent or worsening"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Symptoms interfere with daily life"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"You have nerve-related symptoms"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Spine Care in New York City and New Jersey"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"/locations/"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Atlantic Spine Center treats patients in"}]},{"type":"text","value":":"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"ul","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"New York City on Park Avenue"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"West Orange, New Jersey"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Edison, New Jersey"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"li","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Hoboken, New Jersey"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"/contact-atlantic-spine-center/request-appointment/"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Virtual appointments"}]},{"type":"text","value":" are also available, allowing you to discuss your symptoms from home."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Key Takeaway"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Back pain in the morning is often related to stiffness, sleep position, or support issues."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or associated with other symptoms, a medical evaluation may be helpful."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Frequently Asked Questions"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Why does my back hurt when I wake up but gets better during the day?"}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"This is often due to muscle stiffness or positioning during sleep."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Can my mattress cause back pain?"}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Yes. Poor support may affect spinal alignment during sleep."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Is morning back pain serious?"}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Not always, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"When should I see a doctor for back pain in the morning?"}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"If symptoms last more than a few weeks or worsen over time."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"div","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"leadform","properties":{"id":"blog"},"children":[]}]}],"data":{"quirksMode":false}},"excerpt":"If you are wondering “why does my back hurt when I wake up,” here is the short answer: Morning back pain is often related to sleep position, mattress…","frontmatter":{"title":"Why Does My Back Hurt When I Wake Up?","date":"April 17th, 2026","description":"Waking up with a stiff, aching back can set a frustrating tone for your entire day. Whether it’s your sleeping position, a worn-out mattress, or the first signs of an underlying spine condition, learn why your back feels worse at sunrise and how to tell when that morning stiffness is more than just 'getting older.'","tags":["Back Pain Causes","Back Pain Relief","Spine Care"],"cover":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/7ceb4efe992c0f341476ca921621cd8f/7d509/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up-thumb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7ceb4efe992c0f341476ca921621cd8f/8d052/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up-thumb.jpg 180w,\n/static/7ceb4efe992c0f341476ca921621cd8f/e2788/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up-thumb.jpg 360w,\n/static/7ceb4efe992c0f341476ca921621cd8f/7d509/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up-thumb.jpg 720w,\n/static/7ceb4efe992c0f341476ca921621cd8f/16310/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up-thumb.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/7ceb4efe992c0f341476ca921621cd8f/2aa8d/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up-thumb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7ceb4efe992c0f341476ca921621cd8f/1a890/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up-thumb.webp 180w,\n/static/7ceb4efe992c0f341476ca921621cd8f/b6bb8/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up-thumb.webp 360w,\n/static/7ceb4efe992c0f341476ca921621cd8f/2aa8d/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up-thumb.webp 720w,\n/static/7ceb4efe992c0f341476ca921621cd8f/cc834/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up-thumb.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}},"fields":{"slug":"why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up","post":"/blog/v/why-does-my-back-hurt-when-i-wake-up/","readingTime":{"text":"3 min read"}}}},"pageContext":{"id":"e30a9847-a48a-5fd6-ae16-9efce61db357","allBlogTags":["Activities","Arthritis","Artificial Disc","Back Health","Back Injury","Back Pain","Back Pain Causes","Back Pain Relief","Bone Spurs","Bulging Discs","Causes","Cervical Neck","Chiropractors","Degenerative Disc Disease","Diagnosing","Diagnosis","Diagnostic","Diagnostic Tests","Disc Degeneration","Discectomy","Do's and Don'ts","Endoscopic Foraminotomy","Endoscopic Spine Surgery","Epidural Injection","ExcelsiusGPS","Exercise","Exercises","FAQ","Failed Spine Surgery Syndrome","Fusion","Heat","Herniated Disc","Herniated Discs","Herniation","Ice","Joint Dysfunction","Laser Spine Surgery","Lower Back Pain","MIS fusion","Medication","Medicine","Middle Back Pain","Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery","Minimize Injury","Myths vs Facts","Neck Pain","Neck Pain Relief","Neck Spasms","Osteoporosis","Outpatient Procedures","Pain Management","Pain Relief","Pain and Rehab","Pain and Rehabilitation","Peripheral Joint Problems","Physical Therapist","Physical Therapy","Pinched Nerve","Pinched Neve","Piriformis Syndrome","Platelets","Post Surgery","Prevention","Pulled Back Muscle","Questions","Radiculitis","Radiofrequency Ablation","Recovery","Repair Cells","Rheumatoid","Risk Factors","Robotic Surgery","Sciatica","Scoliosis","Shoulder Pain","Sleep Positions","Slipped Discs","Spinal Bone Spurs","Spinal Conditions","Spinal Fusion","Spinal Stenosis","Spine","Spine Care","Spine Doctors","Spine Products","Spine Surgery","Spondylitis","Sports","Surgery","Symptoms","Tech Neck","Telemedicine","Terms","Text Neck","Tips","Transforaminal Decompression","Treating","Treatment","Treatments","Whiplash","Wintertime Injury","Workers’ Compensation"]}},"staticQueryHashes":["1243059498","1697337627","2285185342","2340642463","3062368525","3793359599","63159454"]}