What causes back pain after sitting for a long time?
Apr 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Shuai
Introduction
Back pain after prolonged sitting may be caused by improper posture, periarthritis of the shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, or other conditions. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital, complete relevant examinations, and receive targeted treatment under a doctor's guidance once a diagnosis is confirmed. During treatment, excessive fatigue should be avoided to prevent interference with recovery.
Back pain after prolonged sitting may be caused by poor posture, periarthritis of the shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, and other conditions. It is important to identify the underlying cause and follow medical advice for targeted treatment.
1. Poor Posture
Maintaining positions such as bending forward or looking down for extended periods can place the paraspinal muscles in a stretched or fatigued state, leading to varying degrees of soreness and discomfort. Usually, no special treatment is required. Timely correction of posture, adequate bed rest, and proper self-care can help symptoms resolve on their own.
2. Periarthritis of the Shoulder
In patients with periarthritis of the shoulder, inflammation occurs in soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint, including muscles and joint capsules, causing pain and swelling. Prolonged sitting may exacerbate inflammatory responses, leading to radiating pain into the back. As directed by a physician, medications such as celecoxib capsules, loxoprofen sodium tablets, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis may cause inflammation and damage to muscles and tendons around joints. The inflammation can affect the spine, resulting in back pain and stiffness. Under medical guidance, drugs such as sulfasalazine, methotrexate tablets, or thalidomide tablets may be prescribed to provide anti-rheumatic effects.
4. Cervical Spondylosis
Prolonged sitting during disease flare-ups keeps the cervical spine in an improper position, which may compress nerve roots and lead to pain, stiffness, and numbness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, and upper back. Under a doctor’s supervision, medications like eperisone hydrochloride tablets, glucosamine indomethacin enteric-coated tablets, or eperisone hydrochloride tablets may be taken to alleviate pain.
5. Lumbar Disc Herniation
When the lower back remains under tension for long periods, inflammatory stimuli may cause inflammatory mediators to spread to the back, irritating local nerves and causing dull, aching pain. After onset, it is important to rest in bed. For pain relief, medications such as oryzanol tablets, mecobalamin tablets, or vitamin B12 may be taken as directed by a physician to nourish the nerves.
It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital, complete relevant examinations, and obtain an accurate diagnosis before initiating targeted treatment under medical supervision. During treatment, avoid excessive fatigue to prevent interference with recovery.
