Why our pains come on at night

Why do I hurt more when I'm not doing anything?

Pain at night is caused by contraction, inflammation and swelling of involved tissues - muscles, tendons, ligaments. These are reacting to the stresses put on them during the day and evening. They didn't have the opportunity to contract and swell before nighttime, becuase they were in a recurring state of overstretch, or overuse. When we finally “take the load off,” there is no tension preventing them from reacting to the trauma or micro-trauma they were subjected to that day. Each night’s pain is a measure of the day’s abuse. Less pain means better care and attention.

Many people know to work with attention to posture. Then in the evening they let it all go as they relax. Typically, this is reading or watching the TV in a slumped, lounging manner. Soft couches, lying on one’s side with head propped up, using an ottoman or Lazy-boy with legs up - all this overstretches the back, shoulders and neck muscles. The result is reactive inflammation at night.

The same principles apply to healthy sitting, whether at work or at home. The low back needs support at the waist. The trunk should be leaning backward, so that the shoulders fall back rather than forward. The head needs to sit vertically above the trunk, not in front of it. The feet should be on the floor, not elevated, unless the trunk is leaning backward more than 45 degrees (still with waist support). Elbows need to be at the sides, whether using a keyboard or book or ipad. (see "Sitting Instructions" in the Recipes and Exercises Menu.)

Here is a pillow I always take with me on long travels, to insure that my back is properly supported. Since it is inflatable, the amount of air can be adjusted to the exact chair and situation. It effectively makes any chair fit correctly to my body and needs. They sell them online at REI.

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium pillow

(Venetian Gondoliers, 2003)