Why do I wake up with low back pain?

If you are someone that consistently wakes up with low back pain that makes it hard to start your day you are probably ready to find a solution. The good news is that this type of symptomatology can help us narrow down the diagnosis. While it is possible that you have none of these conditions the three most common reasons that someone wakes up with low back pain include discogenic pain, muscular pain, or Ankylosing spondylitis.

Discogenic pain

Discogenic pain is the most common type of low back pain and is the most common reason that people wake up with back pain. When you have discogenic pain you will usually wake up with an achy, soreness. Sometimes this pain can even be sharp in nature. This pain can be very intense upon waking but should quickly become bearable. Commonly people with discogenic pain will have intense pain for the first 20 minutes after they get out of bed. Then the pain will become more bearable. Discogenic pain is pain that comes from the intervertebral disc.  Discogenic pain is often caused by repetitive flexion of the low back. All throughout the day, we subject the back to flexion activities. These activities may include sitting at a desk, driving, bending over the sink to brush your teeth, bending over to put on shoes and socks. These repetitive flexion activities can cause discogenic pain. The best way to deal with discogenic pain involves performing the appropriate exercises. These exercises are best prescribed by a spine care specialist.

Muscular pain

Muscular pain is another common cause of morning back pain. This pain may present as a stiffness, though sometimes it can be sharp in nature. Muscular pain will usually start to feel better shortly after you get moving. Though this pain may be brought about by quick movements that put the muscles in a vulnerable position. Muscular pain may be due to a strain or just from overuse. Commonly people will remember a particular event that started their back pain. Muscular pain is best dealt with through conservative rehabilitation. Exercises and stretches should be performed to loosen up the tight muscles and strengthen the injured area as well as the supportive musculature. If you have muscular pain that just doesn’t go away then visiting a spine care specialist to help you design a rehab program is highly recommended.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory joint condition similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Ankylosing Spondylitis is commonly discovered when someone is between the ages of 20-40 thought there can be some variation with this. Someone with Ankylosing spondylitis will wake up in the morning with intense pain and discomfort. This pain is often associated with stiffness, soreness, and a lack of mobility. This pain will take a long time before it starts to alleviate. Commonly people with Ankylosing Spondylitis will have intense pain for over 45 minutes after waking up. A spine care specialist is able to diagnose Ankylosing Spondylitis and direct those with the condition to the appropriate resources to care for the condition. Conservative care alongside medical management is often the best way to help patients deal with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

About the Author

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alex Tauberg, DC, RN, CCSP®, PSP | Last reviewed: March 6, 2026

Reviewed for clinical accuracy using an evidence-based, conservative care framework.

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Dr. Alex Tauberg, DC, RN, CCSP®, PSP

Primary Spine Practitioner & Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner

Founder of The Pittsburgh Chiropractor LLC, Dr. Tauberg is a dual-credentialed healthcare provider (Doctor of Chiropractic and Registered Nurse). He specializes in evidence-based spine care and sports medicine, leveraging his advanced training in spine care, rehabilitation, and sports medicine to help active individuals and athletes recover from musculoskeletal injuries and return to the activities they enjoy.

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Education & training

• Doctor of Chiropractic: National University of Health Sciences
• Primary Spine Practitioner Certification: University of Pittsburgh
• Nursing Education: Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC); Capella University
• Graduate Nursing: William Paterson University (FNP program)
• Undergraduate: Eckerd College (Psychology)

Certifications Primary Spine Practitioner (PSP) Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP®) Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

Professional Affiliation Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association

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Educational disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have severe symptoms, progressive weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, recent trauma, or loss of bowel or bladder control, seek urgent evaluation.