Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Back pain can come in many different forms, but one of the more common symptoms we hear about when asking patients about their pain is that their discomfort tends to increase when standing. So why does your back hurt when you stand up, and how can you treat this type of pain? We answer those questions and more in today’s blog.

Back Pain When Standing

Back pain that develops or worsens while standing often develops in the lumbar portion of the spine. The reason pain often develops in this location is due to the natural posture of our spine when standing. When you stand, gravity shifts downward stress on your body, and much of this stress is handled and displaced by your spine. Since your lumbar spine is at the bottom, it often handles the most stress. This increased stress in your lumbar spine can lead to:

• Muscle strains from excessive force on the muscle
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle sprains from stretched ligaments
• Spinal stenosis due to abnormal pressure causing a narrowing of the spinal canal
• Advanced degenerative disc disease
• Shifting spinal discs

If pain is minimal, you might just be able to get by with some rest in the short-term. But if pain becomes recurrent or pain is more than just an annoyance, more hands-on treatment may be required.

Treating Back Pain That Occurs When Standing

If your back pain develops when you stand up, some of these changes may help provide relief.

• Losing weight
• Postural awareness
• Light stretching
• Exercise
• Targeted physical therapy
• Yoga, Tai Chi or Pilates
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Back braces or other safety gear during activity

One of the most important treatments in that above list is becoming aware of your posture throughout the day. A lot of times we’re unknowingly stressing our spine because we have poor posture, even when we’re not active. Be cognizant of your posture at your desk, while you’re on the couch or when you’re in the car. If you’re slouching or leaning forward, this can put excessive stress on certain areas of your spine. If you’re stressing your spine in a seated position, it’s going to be in a weakened state when you need it to displace stress when standing, and that’s when you’ll feel pain.

If those tips don’t solve your problem, or you simply want individualized advice, consult with a spine surgeon like Dr. Sinicropi. He can conduct a physical exam and take imaging tests to get to the bottom of your pain. From there, he’ll walk you through a treatment plan targeted at your specific condition. He’s helped countless people find relief for their back pain using these methods, and he can do the same for you. For more information, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.

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