Why does my lower back hurt when sitting but not when standing?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing severe lower back pain recently. The pain is obvious when I'm sitting, but disappears when I'm standing. My job requires prolonged sitting, and this situation is now causing me a lot of distress. I'm wondering what could have caused this condition. Could someone explain why my back pain occurs while sitting but not while standing?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Lower back pain that occurs while sitting but not while standing is usually related to the biomechanics and nerve distribution of the lumbar region. This symptom may indicate various causes, including but not limited to the following conditions:
1. Lumbar muscle strain: Prolonged sitting can lead to tension in the lower back muscles, resulting in pain.
2. Disc problems: Sitting for extended periods increases pressure on the intervertebral discs, which may lead to disc bulging or herniation, compressing nerve roots and causing pain. When standing, the pressure on the discs is relatively reduced due to different gravitational forces, and the pain may be alleviated.
3. Spinal joint dysfunction: The small joints of the spine, such as the facet joints, bear greater pressure during sitting, which may lead to joint dysfunction or inflammation, causing pain. When standing, the pattern of joint loading changes, potentially reducing pain.
4. Nerve compression: While sitting, the sciatic nerve in the lower back may become compressed, leading to pain. When standing, the compression on the nerve may improve, and the pain may decrease accordingly.
