OSA and back pain

Last updated on July 7th, 2023 at 10:02 am

Back pain sufferers should be cautious of having Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, especially those who are overweight. Studies suggest that up to 80% of people with OSA have not yet been diagnosed, and undiagnosed OSA can contribute to the symptoms of back pain.

In a recent article from Healthy Tips, they discuss the impact Obstructive Sleep Apnoea can have on the severity of back pain. Obstructive sleep apnoea is a respiratory sleeping disorder which affects 4% of middle-aged men and 2% of middle-aged women in the UK. Up to 80% of people with OSA have not yet been diagnosed, so how can you know if your back pain is worsened from undiagnosed OSA? Find out below!

Are you concerned that you might be suffering from OSA?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea can be extremely difficult to identify, particularly because most of the symptoms occur when you are asleep so you might be unaware that your sleep quality is actually suffering. It is therefore advisable that you have a sleeping partner, you ask them to monitor your sleep and alarm you if they notice any of the following symptoms. (Some of the symptoms you will also be able to monitor yourself)

Most typical OSA symptoms:

  • Loud chronic snoring
  • Choking or gasping for breath during sleep
  • Breathing pauses during sleep (Your sleeping partner should monitor your sleep for this symptom)

Other OSA symptoms include:

  • Morning headaches
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness/tiredness
  • Forgetful, poor memory
  • Irritability and changes in mood
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Decreased interest in sex

After reading the symptoms of OSA, I think I might be at risk of Sleep Apnoea. How can I confirm my diagnosis of OSA?

If you or your partner believe that you might be at risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, then you should take a sleep study to confirm your diagnosis. You can conduct a sleep study through the NHS or order a private at-home sleep study. Both options have their advantages, so you need to decide what matters to you more; waiting for free treatment provided by the NHS, or fast-tracking the queue and paying for a private sleep study.

Initially, the majority of sufferers will choose to speak to their GP first to confirm the symptoms of OSA. Your GP will be able to assess your situation and decide whether you should conduct a sleep study or not. Your GP can then refer you to your local sleep clinic or hospital who will place you on a waiting list so that you conduct a sleep study and confirm your diagnosis. If your OSA is confirmed, then you should be eligible to receive therapy equipment from the NHS, although please be aware that you might not be able to choose which pieces of equipment you receive. Going through the NHS is a very convenient option if you want to avoid diagnosis and treatment costs, as this route can save you at least a few hundred pounds. If you decide to go through the NHS, you could be waiting up to 3 months before you are diagnosed and treated as long waiting lists can occur.

Alternatively, many people decide to go privately after their initial chat with their GP confirming their symptoms. Taking a private sleep study can cost a minimum of £99, with results provided to you within 7-10 working days. Once you have received your sleep study report, you can then decide which treatment option you would like to go ahead with. If your sleep study results confirm OSA, then you will be able to order a CPAP machine from your Healthcare Provider to treat your OSA effectively.

How can treatment for OSA help if I’m suffering from back pain?

A recent article from Healthy Tips suggested how treatment for OSA could help relieve back pain. The article particularly addressed the impact CPAP therapy can have on getting a good quality of sleep. Sleep is essential as it regulates your metabolism making it easier for you to lose any excess weight. Back pain can often occur due to excess weight building up on the stomach area, adding more strain to your lower back. Healthy Tips suggests that in order to lose your excess stomach weight, you must monitor your diet and ensure that you do not give up on exercise all together due to your back pain. Many people suffering from back pain often think that exercising might cause strain on the back, but Healthy Tips ensures that low-impact exercise and weight lifting to build up the muscles in your back is one of the most significant ways to relieve your back pain.