Camping Weekend? Here's What to Do if Your Back Flared Up After Sleeping on a Mat or Air Mattress

There's nothing like a weekend away camping — fresh air, campfires, and the simple joy of being off the grid.

But if you're like many people, sometimes the "camp sleeping setup" — thin mats, air mattresses, or caravan beds — can leave your back feeling anything but refreshed.

Waking up stiff, sore, or even barely able to move is unfortunately common after a few nights of uneven support. If that’s you, you're not alone!

Here’s why it happens:
Camping beds often don’t support your spine’s natural curves. When your back doesn’t get the support it needs for hours at a time, muscles, joints, and nerves can become irritated — leading to flare-ups of old injuries or even creating new pain.

Here are 3 simple tips to help you recover quickly:
1. Gentle Morning Movement:
Start your day with some light stretching or walking. This gets blood flowing to tight muscles and helps reset your spinal joints after a night of poor support. Think "easy and slow," not a hardcore gym session.
2. Heat It Up:
Use a warm shower or a heat pack over stiff areas. Heat relaxes muscles, improves blood flow, and can help ease tension caused by awkward sleeping positions.
3. Get Checked:
If the pain lingers more than a couple of days or feels sharp or nerve-like (like tingling or shooting pain), it’s best to get your spine checked properly. A chiropractic adjustment can help restore better movement and stop a minor irritation from turning into a bigger problem.


Remember:
It’s not weak to ask for help — it’s smart!
Camping adventures should leave you with great memories, not ongoing back pain.
If you need a hand getting back to feeling great, we’re here for you!


[Book Your Appointment Today]