What should I do if my lower back pain prevents me from standing up straight?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Lower back pain that prevents you from standing up straight is often caused by conditions such as flatback syndrome, a herniated disc, muscle spasms, or degenerative disc disease. These conditions can affect your spine's alignment and mobility, making it difficult to maintain an upright posture. A healthcare provider can determine the exact cause and recommend the right treatment.

Because back pain has many possible causes—some minor, some serious—identifying the likely source early can help you avoid unnecessary worry and get the right care faster. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your pain and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Lower back pain that prevents you from standing up straight can be caused by several conditions. One possible cause is flatback syndrome, which can happen after spinal surgery. This condition makes it hard to stand up straight because the spine loses its normal curve. Another possible cause is a herniated disc in the lower back. This can cause pain not only in the back but also in areas like the groin.

What You Can Do:

Consult a Healthcare Provider: It's important to see a healthcare provider to find out the exact cause of your pain.
Diagnosis: The provider may use imaging tests to see what's happening with your spine.
Treatment Options: Depending on the cause, treatment might include physical therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgery.

Understanding the cause of your pain is key to getting the right treatment. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker before your appointment, then consult with a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

(References)

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.
Quek JMT, Tan J, Toh I, Chen JL, Yeo W, Chia R, et al. (2022). Factors Associated with Pain Intensity and Walking .... Spine, 35066535.
Yukawa Y, Kato F, Kajino G, Nakamura S, & Nitta H. (1997). Groin pain associated with lower lumbar disc herniation. Spine, 9259784.

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