Eliminating back pain / ache.

carlitguy · Post by **carlitguy** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 9:13 am

I have been on CPAP for two years this month and normally I do sleep uninterupted for 7-8 hours.
Recently, I have been experiencing back pain / ache upon wakening. I did a search for these terms and found 910 posts but I never saw any suggestions for ways to eliminate or minimize the pain. Also, I checked Our Collective Wisdom, but to no avail.
My pain lasts about an hour after arising and is very uncomfortable. Any suggestions?
Dean in Canada

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 9:40 am

How are judging that the pain is from cpap?

Could it be that other factors are playing into it?

Here are some of the ones that come to mind --

mattress needs replaced if it is several years old
have you picked up something wrong
did you move "wrong" in your sleep to pinch something (yes I have rolled over in my sleep and had to go to doc for adjustment)

Often my back hurts upon waking and gets better during the morning. I find if I have an adjustment then I am usually good to go.

carlitguy · Post by **carlitguy** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 10:04 am

Yyour point is taken. It might not be CPAP but I feel it is caused by me sleeping non stop now which is a recent development as well as being in one position. Interestingly, we have been opening a window since it has been so hot and this seems to be the only change in my routine.
Dean in Canada

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 10:08 am

Now that I think about it -- I know what you are talking about.

My back doesn't "hurt" in the true sense of hurt but I am more "achy" in the morning. I contribute it to sleeping in one position to long and sleeping deeper. Much rather be sleeping better and deal with the achy feeling than feel like a train hit me all day precpap.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 10:09 am

You don't mention which part of your back it is, nor what your settings are.

CPAP related: It it's only in the morning, and if you're on auto, and the machine is going higher than you're used to, you may feel pain more or less where the doctor listens you your lungs, above you waistline.

Non CPAP related: worn out shoes. (I'm serious). When my shoes wear out and no longer support my feet properly, I start having aches and pains in my lower back / thigh.

O.

carlitguy · Post by **carlitguy** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 10:17 am

Omigoawd!
It probably is my shoes. They are worn excessivly. I wear Orthotics and normally with a bit of wear I get a pain on one hip. This time they are realy, really worn so I will correct this today and see if this is the issue. I will bet it is!
Thank you for all the replies.
Dean in Canada

Hawthorne · Post by **Hawthorne** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 11:38 am

I, too, wear custom orthotics and find that I have to replace my shoes when they begin to wear even a little. I usually get a new pair at least once a year. Helps the back and legs!
Check that window too. I don't know where in Canada you live Dean, but I am in Southwestern Ontario and the night air, with the window open, is damp (even in the summer with the humidity) a draft hits me in the side and I have a back ache with that. Moving the bed out of direct line to the back and the open window can help or not opening the window!
I'd put my money on the shoes first though.

crossfit · Post by **crossfit** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 11:49 am

I would go with shoes first, then flip the mattress in case that is the culprit.

In the meantime, back pain is usually some type of inflammation. So, some type of anti-inflammatories might help. Turmeric is a good one and tastes great with eggs for breakfast. You don't need a lot of it. Google turmeric inflimation or something to get details. Ice is another anti-inflammatory. But the efficacy of putting an ice pack on your back will depend on where the pain/ache is.

Another idea might be to learn some basic yoga stretches (stay away from the really exuberant styles for this purpose). Do them in the mornings to help work out the kinks from sleeping a long time in one position. It is sort of like the lovely stretching in the morning when you wake up after a great nights sleep but more formal. Tai Chi is another exercise that can help back pain and its more of a slow moving but its harder to learn on your own unless you have a lot of exercise experience.

Stay away from heat on your back when it is sore like this. Heat is only good 24 hours after the pain has started. It is used primarily for relaxing spasms in the muscles.

good luck.

Eliminating back pain / ache.

Eliminating back pain / ache.

Eliminating back pain/ache