Question
QUESTION: Hello, I am constantly waking up in the morning with lower back pain and an overall stiff back. Any advice? If you need to know anything else to better help, let me know. Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Lee,

Sure do need some more info.  How long, what started it, how old are you, what have you done for it, and so on.

Generally speaking there is some inflammation that is allowing swelling to occur in the joints while you sleep.  This probably gets a bit better as you move around and disburse the accumulated fluid.

Often gentle stretching and ice 20 minutes per hour, as needed, can alleviate some of the trouble.

Now, what is causing this and what to do about it?  The simplest approach is to recommend a chiropractic consult.  The site below can help you find a local doc.

Hope this helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey, well it started a few months ago. For starters I sleep on a horrible mattress. I am 25 by the way. Usually after stretching in the morning it goes away but other times I stay sore all day. I need to find a solution soon, I plan on joining the army and will probably leave for basic in a few months. I am hoping much of it has to do with the old broken down mattress. Thanks for the help.

Answer
Hi again,

To test the mattress theory, sleep on a different surface for several days.  If it makes a difference, better or worse, that indicates that this is a part of the problem.

Otherwise, regular stretching, especially the hamstrings and quadriceps, may make a difference.  Ice 20 minutes per hour 2-3 times before bed might give you a head start on the waking with trouble (this is usually from swelling inside the joint; as you stretch and 'warm up' the fluid is redistributed; so the ice reduces the swelling at the start).

Evaluate your daily activities.  Is there anything that is straining the back.  Not only heavy work but staying in one position for too long (no movement for over 20 minutes) or too repetitively.

Without an exam there isn't much more to advise.  If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

Enjoy the Army.  I was GI Joe for a few years.  It can be a great springboard for the rest of your life.  And you're making a difference.