Published on: 7/4/2025
Why does my lower back pain get worse when standing?
Lower back pain can get worse when standing for a long time because it puts strain on your back muscles and joints. Sometimes, rare conditions like a cyst near the spine can also cause pain.
Explanation
Standing for a long time can make your lower back hurt more. This happens because standing puts pressure on your back muscles and joints, which can lead to pain. When you stand, your body has to work hard to keep you upright, and this can make your back muscles tired and sore.
Reasons for Increased Pain:
- Muscle Strain: Prolonged standing can tire out your muscles, leading to discomfort and pain.
- Joint Pressure: When you stand, your joints have to support your body weight, which can cause pain over time.
In some cases, there might be other reasons for your back pain. For example, a rare condition like a sacral extradural arachnoid cyst can cause lower back pain. This is a fluid-filled sac that can press on the nerves near the spine, leading to pain.
If your back pain is severe or doesn't go away, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor to find out what's causing it. They can help you find ways to manage the pain and prevent it from getting worse.
(References)
- Gregory DE, & Callaghan JP. (2008). Prolonged standing as a precursor for the development .... Gait & posture, 18053722.
- Muthukumar N. (2002). Sacral extradural arachnoid cyst: a rare cause of low back .... European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 11956924.
- Marshall PW, Romero R, & Brooks C. (2014). Pain reported during prolonged standing is associated with .... Experimental brain research, 25059911.
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