Why does my lower back hurt so much that I can't get up after sitting for a while?

Generally, the main causes of severe lower back pain and difficulty standing up after sitting for a short time include lumbar muscle strain, cold exposure to the waist, lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Lumbar Muscle Strain

Prolonged sitting or frequent bending during labor keeps the lower back muscles in a constant state of tension, leading to fatigue and micro-injury of muscle fibers. When getting up after sitting, the relaxed muscles struggle to generate force, resulting in pain. To prevent this, avoid prolonged sitting; stand up and move every 30 minutes. Apply heat therapy to the lower back during rest, massage to relax muscles, and regularly strengthen back and core muscle exercises.

2. Cold Exposure to the Waist

Cold invasion causes constriction of blood vessels in the lumbar muscles, slowing circulation and triggering muscle spasms. After sitting, the muscles become stiff, and pain worsens when standing up. Dress warmly to protect the waist, use a hot water bottle or heating pad for warmth, and avoid prolonged exposure to cold and damp environments.

3. Lumbar Disc Herniation

A protruding intervertebral disc compresses nerve roots. Sitting increases disc pressure and aggravates nerve irritation, causing severe pain when standing due to increased load on the lower back, often accompanied by numbness in the lower limbs. Under medical guidance, medications such as mecobalamin tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and eperisone hydrochloride tablets may be used. Wearing a lumbar support belt can help protect the spine. In severe cases, surgical removal of the herniated nucleus pulposus may be required.

4. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Degenerative narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the spinal cord and nerves. When sitting, the space within the spinal canal becomes even more restricted, increasing nerve compression. Getting up requires slow effort and is often associated with low back and leg pain and intermittent claudication. Under medical supervision, medications such as celecoxib capsules, diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets, and Huoxue Zhitong capsules may be prescribed. Lumbar traction therapy can also be beneficial. In severe cases, decompression surgery of the lumbar spinal canal may be necessary.

5. Spondylolisthesis

Loosening of the joints between vertebrae leads to forward slippage of one vertebra over another. After sitting, the slipped segment bears increased stress, and when standing, the displaced vertebra pulls on surrounding tissues, causing severe pain and limited腰部 movement. Under medical guidance, medications such as etoricoxib tablets, compound chlorzoxazone tablets, and vitamin B1 tablets may be used. Wearing a spinal brace can provide support. In severe cases, surgical reduction and internal fixation may be required.

In daily life, maintain proper sitting posture and avoid bending over to lift heavy objects; choose a mattress with moderate firmness to maintain the natural curvature of the lumbar spine; keep the waist warm to prevent cold exposure; strengthen back and core muscle training to improve spinal stability; and seek medical attention promptly if persistent pain occurs to avoid delayed treatment.