If You Wake Up with Pain in the Morning, Pay Attention

Waking up with pain in the morning is a common complaint, but it is often not taken seriously. Anadolu Medical Center Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Prof. Dr. Semih Akı states that if pain that wakes you up or a feeling of stiffness in the body lasts longer than one hour after waking, it is important to consult a doctor.

Morning Pain is a Common Problem for Many People
So, when should these pains be taken seriously? If you wake up with back or腰 pain, it’s important to first distinguish whether it is pain or stiffness. Patients often confuse the two.

Stiffness Lasting More Than One Hour in Healthy Individuals Should Be Addressed

If a person mentions stiffness upon waking, the possibility of an underlying disease should be considered. In addition to factors such as the bed structure or physical environment, it is highly likely that an illness could be causing the stiffness. The duration of the stiffness is also an important criterion; if the stiffness lasts more than one hour, it is seen as a sign of a disease, and particularly rheumatic diseases should be investigated.

What is Stiffness?

Stiffness is a limitation of movement. When a person gets out of bed, the joints do not function properly until they wash their face, and they may feel somewhat restricted in their movements. In healthy individuals, the sensation of stiffness disappears in a short period and mostly occurs in the neck, back, and hands.

Pain from Illness Increases with Rest

If pain occurs due to mechanical reasons or physical strain, it is typically a pain that worsens with movement and decreases with rest. However, pain caused by serious diseases is waking you up from sleep and increases with rest. One of the most significant reasons for waking up tired is poor sleep quality.

Things to Do for Healthy Sleep

Bed That Does Not Conform to the Body: One of the most important reasons for poor sleep quality is a mattress that does not conform to the body. If the person’s body does not sink into the bed when lying down, meaning the mattress does not take the shape of the person's body, this is considered an ideal firmness. Silikon mattresses, which have been used in recent years, are also healthy for distributing body pressure. However, not everyone may be satisfied with them.
Proper Pillow Firmness and Height: The most important criteria for selecting a pillow are proper firmness and height. Pillow firmness varies from person to person, so it is not possible to say something specific, but the person can use the pillow firmness they feel comfortable with. In terms of height, the ideal height is one that fills the gap between the shoulder and the neck when lying on the side. However, this criterion is applicable to healthy individuals. For people with neck problems, specific types of pillows may be recommended. Patients with significant neck issues may be given pillows that restrict the movement of the neck.

Last Updated Date: 10 July 2015

Publication Date: 07 October 2015