Why do I get a back pain when lying down?

Doctor's Answers 1

I am sorry to hear about your back pain. There can be many causes of back pain, from discs and nerves, to joints and bones in the back. Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between one problem and another based on one symptom alone.

Nevertheless, when patients complain of pain at night, I am always concerned about issues with the bones and joints, particularly as lying down tends to be the most comfortable position for people with disc, nerve and muscle related back pains. In your case, I would certainly recommend an assessment by a primary care or Sports/MSK physician.

They can take a thorough history and examine your spine. Depending on what their suspicions are, they might then organise investigations such as an X-ray or MRI. Certainly an X-ray it the minimum that I would feel comfortable with.

Things to consider in the interim:

  1. Have you experienced any untoward weight loss?
  2. Have you lost your appetite?
  3. Has there been any trauma to your back?

These might be nuggets of information that you might be asked for during a consultation.

Please do get your symptoms checked.

Hope this helps.

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