Published on: 7/4/2025
Why does my lower back pain worsen when standing up straight?
Lower back pain can get worse when standing up straight due to how your body moves and holds itself, or because of changes in the spine after surgery.
Explanation
Lower back pain when standing up straight can be linked to how your body moves and the way you hold your posture. Research shows that standing for a long time can make back pain worse, especially if your posture is not balanced.
Reasons for Pain:
- Prolonged Standing: Standing for a long time can cause discomfort in the lower back. Your muscles and joints may get tired, leading to pain.
- Posture and Movement: How you stand and move can affect your back. If your posture is not aligned, it can strain your back muscles.
- Spinal Changes: If you have had back surgery, like spinal fusion, it can change the shape of your spine. This might lead to a condition called flatback, making standing up straight uncomfortable.
Understanding these factors can help you manage your back pain better. It's important to pay attention to your posture and take breaks from standing for too long.
(References)
- Marshall PW, Romero R, & Brooks C. (2014). Pain reported during prolonged standing is associated with .... Experimental brain research, 25059911.
- Wernli K, O'Sullivan P, Smith A, Campbell A, & Kent P. (2020). Movement, posture and low back pain. How do they relate? .... European journal of pain (London, England), 32621351.
- Lagrone MO, Bradford DS, Moe JH, Lonstein JE, Winter RB, & Ogilvie JW. (1988). Treatment of symptomatic flatback after spinal fusion. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 3356724.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about symptoms
Learn more about diseases
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.