Causes of Lower Back Pain When Standing

Lower back pain when standing can often be a symptom of muscle fatigue or poor posture and doing it for many years will affect the anatomy of your spine. If you are standing a lot at a high-demand job, your back muscles may tense, thus increasing the pain, this is also called postural stress.[1]

What are the symptoms of lower back pain when standing?

Lower back pain when standing is a typical symptom of general lower back pain, particularly common with patients who have increased muscle tightness in the lower back. The symptoms include dull muscle aches, sharp lower back pain and sometimes even referred pain down the legs known as sciatica.[2]

What causes lower back pain when standing?

Lower back pain when standing is usually caused by a strain or sprain that has occurred in an acute setting, like sports. Another major cause could be muscle fatigue, usually as a result of prolonged time spent working on a computer. If the pain has appeared after overexertion, an accident, or a sports injury, you may have a stretched or twisted tendon or ligament. Persistent or recurring lower back pain may signify an underlying condition.

Some specific causes of lower back pain include:

• Sprains - due to overstretching of the ligaments or accidents

• Strains - too much force exerted by a muscle in an activity

• Spinal stenosis - the pressure on the nerves is caused by the narrowing of the spinal passage of nerves.

• Degenerative disc disease - the discs between the vertebrae break down due to ageing, decreasing the space between them and irritating the surrounding nerves.

Home remedies for lower back pain

There are several at-home options to treat pain in your lower back:

• Relative rest - This implies taking the time to give your lower back a break by resting where necessary; however, it is important to move throughout the day to maintain good mobility.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - These are over-the-counter medications that reduce inflammation and pain.

• Stretching and exercises - A combination of gentle lower back stretches can help alleviate lower back pain when standing, particularly stretching the glute and hamstring muscles.

• Supportive shoes and orthotics- In some cases, orthotics are required to help keep your feet in a neutral, supported position.

• Use heat or ice - These remedies can be used as soon as the pain starts. Put an ice pack on your lower back for 20 minutes several times a day. After two days, alternate it with a heat pack.

• Avoid heavy lifting - Do your best to avoid any unnecessary heavy lifting; however, if you have to, keep your back straight, bend your legs not to strain your back, and let the legs do the work.

Alternative treatments for lower back pain

Some alternative therapies for the lower back are the following:

• Massage - General relaxation and structural massages that target areas that might cause back pain.

• Acupuncture - Some studies agree that acupuncture needles may reduce inflammation and alter how nerves react to relieve lower back pain.

Medical treatment for lower back pain

When home treatment and lifestyle changes do not improve your condition, doctors can prescribe medications to help manage the pain.

• Muscle relaxants to relieve spasms

• Topical creams and ointment medications to be applied to the area in pain

• Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and relieve severe pain

Physiotherapy can also teach you specific exercises for pain relief, like stretching and strengthening exercises for your back, core muscles, and legs.[3] They might also use joint mobilisation, posture education, and passive modalities, like electrical stimulation and ultrasound.

When to see your doctor

Pain in the back usually goes away on its own, but in some cases, medical help is imperative. Phoning your general physician is necessary when the pain lasts longer than a few days and is accompanied by these symptoms:

• Deep constant pain

• Incontinence (bowel or bladder)

• Prolonged morning stiffness that lasts for more than 30 minutes

• Weak legs

• Pain that is not relieved by any position or activity

• Rigid spine

• Numb groin

• Fever or chills.

Visit your GP immediately if it results from physical trauma, like a car accident or fall.

Takeaway

If the back pain is occasional when you stand, it is secondary to postural stress. Chances are it will go away after a few days, either from home remedies or on its own. If this continues, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to see your GP for specific examination and treatment for your condition.