Back Pain Forum - Back pain lying flat

Conditions and Diseases > Back Pain Forum > Back pain lying flat - trouble sleeping

What structures make up the spine? We review basic spine anatomy here...before identifying potential causes of back pain....

Q: Back pain lying flat - trouble sleeping

asked by: Hunter33 on September 25th, 2008

New User

New to the forum business...please excuse my ignorance. I have had back problems off and on for many years. Two years ago I had an MRI which revealed a relatively small disc bulge with no nerve infringement and slight narrowing (don't remember exact terminology). Some PT maybe helped but problems persisted. I'm 33 now and have had constant trouble for probably two years now. Prior to MRI, symptoms included "catching" with certain movements sending shots of intense pain, trouble sitting in hard chairs, difficulty washing feet or putting on socks, serious pain when sneezing, slight throbbing in left leg with occasional tingling in foot. Several years ago, lost ability to sleep on stomach. Eventually had to sleep only on side. Now even fetal position is too difficult. Only relief is found when sleeping sitting up. For a couple months, I've been sleeping semi-reclined on our sofa. Mornings are much better that way. Going back to sleeping lying flat will put me right back to where I started. I've tried other mattresses...no help at all. Want to get back to sleeping with my wife...as does she. I don't sleep well sitting up, but pain is much improved. Unconsciously stretching during the night will still send a shock of pain right to the center of my lower back. Certain movements will still cause my back to "catch". Left leg/buttock/hip still throbs slightly. Sleeping sitting up though allows me to bend easily in the mornings and keeps me from waking with every movement during the night. Don't like doctor visits. Recent trip to chiro left me with no confidence. I've tried some exercises with little improvement...not good at staying consistent though. I'm looking for any advice. Thanks.

Replies(7)

illustriously fickle

replied on September 26th, 2008

Experienced User

PT and exercises will work to help alleviate pain by strengthening surrounding muscles if you work them consistently. You can make yourself a goal of trying this for 2 months to test the effects. But you MUST do the work.

littleonefb

replied on September 26th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

I can understand that you don't like doctors and I'm not a fan of chiropractors for any kind of care.

That being said, what you really need is to have a complete evaluation from a spinal surgeon, either and orthopedic surgeon that specializes in spines or a neurosurgeon that specializes in spines only.

That is the only way you are going to be diagnosed and get the proper treatment that you need.

Sounds like you will need an MRI to aid the spine doctor in a diagnosis.

Physical therapy may be of help, but it has to be ordered by a doctor and you need a proper diagnosis first.
Treating you with physical therapy without the proper diagnosis could do more harm than good.

Once you have a diagnosis, you can begin treatment on your spine and return to a normal life.

Good luck

Fran

zigemyster

replied on September 26th, 2008

Moderator

Re: Back pain lying flat - trouble sleeping

Hunter33 wrote:

Two years ago I had an MRI which revealed a relatively small disc bulge with no nerve infringement and slight narrowing (don't remember exact terminology). .

A lot can happen in two years. I would recommend an MRI of your spine once more, another evaluation and you mention that PT worked somewhat and exercise is a great way to strengthen those muscles. When one muscle gets out of whack it becomes a tug of war with other muscles and just about everything else.

Actually narrowing is considered to be spinal stenosis. And that inself can cause pain that you describe.

Have you considered spinal decompression. It is not surgical and works for most people.

One thing that I have found that works well for low back pain...place your left ankle on your right knee and lean forward and feel the stretch and alternate...actually it works wonders for siatic pain.

Before I tried any of these I would definately get re-evaluated and probably another opinion after that one...some spinal doc surgeons encourage surgery when other methods could work just as well. Just depends on what your core issue would be.

Best Wishes for relief,

~Zig

froubaby

replied on September 27th, 2008

New User

Have you tried laying in your bed, but with pillows and blankets under your legs and butt? This always gives me great relief as it helps to curve your spine to relieve pressure around each of your discs. Sleeping sitting up or in a couch recliner will still put pressure thanks to gravity. Next time you are ready for bed, try this method (again, make sure the pillows are propping up not only your legs, but also your butt). It may feel a little uncomfortable at first because you can't move around, but believe me you'll be back to sleeping with your wife. Smile

Good luck!

NMT Therapist

replied on September 27th, 2008

New User

Very important question

Hunter 33,

You mentioned you have pain laying on your back, BUT, you did not say if your legs were straight out or not. Have you tried putting your hips at 90 degrees and your knees at 90 degrees by putting pillows under your calves? If this position provides relief, then that tells you what the problem is! Let me know.

Hunter33

replied on September 29th, 2008

New User

Thank you all for your suggestions. It's comforting to know there's support available. I have tried lying flat with my feet propped with pillows(blankets, furniture, etc.). I've tried quite a few positions actually, but the only one that works so far is sitting up. I have considered decompression therapy. I'm concerned about that though. I understand that lying flat allows the spine to decompress itself. I've heard that you are actually taller in the morning after sleeping than in the evening after a day of being upright. It seems like maybe decompression would do the same thing that lying flat might do. I don't know though. Thank you all again for contributing.

littleonefb

replied on October 1st, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

You need to see a spine surgeon for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Attempting to self treat spinal pain with some kind of decompression therapy without proper diagnosis can very well make your spine far worse than it already is.

Go see a spine surgeon for diagnosis.

Fran

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