Why does my upper back ache every night when i try to go to sleep?

Inflammation : To be clear there is a condition that causes back inflammation, An inflammatory arthritis, that may need to be checked out. It is called spondylitis

Back ache: Aches and pains are often more pronounced when we are not distracted, such as when going to sleep. Please see your doctor. He/she may refer you for tests or physical therapy. Ask doc if yoga is ok; gentle stretching if ok can help. Also, think about the work you do and any strain you may be putting on your back. Peace and good health.

Agree with Dr. S.: Regular exercise will improve the tone of your muscles and relieve the pain. It may take a few months to see the full effect. Any exercise will do, walking, jogging, treadmill, stair-stepper, elliptical etc.

See below: I agree with Dr Self. Aches and pains are often more pronounced when we are not distracted, such as when going to sleep. Physical therapy may help. Stretching and yoga are certainly good places to start.

Try full length: stretching of your spine and your back before you go to sleep. Spend at least 10 minutes in an upper back and spinal stretch position with some tension. Some people like to have their back spine "cracked" or manipulated before going to sleep and if done correctly, it can really reset your spinal position to a more natural curve. But it needs to be done correctly, which is not very hard to do