Why exactly are my sciatica symptoms worse in the morning?

Sciatica Worse in Morning

Sciatica is not a condition but rather a symptom that causes pain. Sciatica occurs when there is irritation to the sciatic nerve. It is commonly caused by a herniated disc or other spinal problems that compress the sciatic nerve. 

Are you wondering why your sciatica seems to be worse in the morning? There are a few possible reasons, but the good news is that sciatica can be treated effectively by physical therapists so that you can start your days off right.

Read on to learn why your symptoms are often worse when you wake up, plus some tips on what to do for pain relief.

Possible reasons why sciatica symptoms are worse in the morning (and what to do about them)

It’s important to reiterate that sciatica is a symptom of an underlying problem — not a condition itself. The reason why your sciatica seems to flare up in the morning will depend on what’s causing your sciatica in the first place. However, it’s most likely connected to your sleeping position. 

If you’re sleeping in a posture that compresses your spine, then it can put pressure on your sciatic nerve and cause increased pain. Sleeping on your stomach or back might irritate your sciatic nerve during the night by limiting the space between your vertebrae. Try sleeping on your side or in the fetal position to open up the space between the vertebrae in your spine.

Additionally, incorporating morning stretches into your routine can help you start the day on the right foot. Hamstring stretches like reaching toward your toes can also help stretch out the spine, so getting in the habit of stretching can make a world of difference for dealing with morning sciatica.

More tips for managing sciatica pain

Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your sciatica pain not just in the morning but all day long:

  • Apply ice — Ice helps to reduce inflammation by slowing down your blood circulation to the treated area. This can reduce swelling and take some of the pressure off your sciatic nerve that’s causing you pain. Do yourself a favor and apply ice to your back for two to three hours in 20-minute intervals with five-minute breaks. It can drastically reduce your pain, at least temporarily.
  • … then apply heat — While ice and heat are opposites, both can be effective for pain relief when it comes to musculoskeletal pain. While ice slows blood flow, heat speeds it up, which can be helpful because it brings nutrients and oxygen to the area where you apply it. Nutrients and oxygen help to rebuild damaged muscle, which in turn reduces inflammation and can lead to long-term pain relief. Just make sure not to apply heat for too long — alternating with ice in 20-minute intervals should do the trick.
  • Stay off your feet — The easiest way to make your sciatica worse is to use your body. If you’re serious about getting rid of your sciatica pain, you should stay off your feet as much as possible. Try to rest with your injured hip elevated to help drain any blood or fluid away from the injury site, and avoid doing any more damage to your sciatic nerve.
  • Seek physical therapy This can be an effective way to find long-term pain relief that requires no surgery or medication. A physical therapist will introduce you to exercises and stretches that help to shift your soft tissue so that it’s no longer pressing up against your sciatic nerve. They can also help you to adjust your posture and movement habits so that you can avoid developing sciatica again in the future. 
  • Wear a compression sleeve — A leg compression wrap can also help to drain fluid away from your hip to relieve your sciatic nerve of any pressure placed on it. However, there’s a risk that a compression sleeve could make your sciatic pain even worse, so make sure to talk to your physical therapist about this option before pursuing it.

Suffering from sciatica that’s worse in the morning? Border Therapy Services can help provide you relief

If you’re tired of experiencing sciatica pain in the morning, we’re ready to step in. Our physical therapists at Border Therapy Services are experts in treating sciatica. We can address postural issues that may be contributing to your sciatica, which can help you feel better in the morning. We are prepared to build you a personalized treatment plan that addresses your sciatic pain.

Contact our team today for more information about sciatica that’s worse in the morning or to schedule an initial appointment.