Why Does My Lower Back Hurt When I Straighten Up?

Your lower back pain when straightening up can stem from a few common issues. According to research, these are:

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain When Standing Straight

Here are the most common culprits behind lower back pain that makes it difficult to stand upright, as identified in the reference:

Back Sprains or Strains: These occur when the muscles or ligaments in your back are stretched or torn.
- Example: Lifting a heavy object incorrectly or sudden twisting movements can cause sprains/strains.
- Solution: Rest, ice, and gentle stretching can help in recovery.
Sciatica: This involves irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs down the leg, and when it is affected it can also cause low back pain and other issues.
- Example: Pain can radiate from the lower back down one leg, with pain made worse when standing or sitting for long periods.
- Solution: Physical therapy and pain management medications may be helpful.
Herniated Disc: This condition is when the soft cushion between your vertebrae pushes out, irritating nearby nerves.
- Example: A herniated disc in the lower back can cause severe pain and discomfort when you try to stand erect.
- Solution: Depending on severity, treatment ranges from physical therapy to surgery.

Here's a table to help summarize:

Cause	What Happens	Typical Symptoms
Back Sprain/Strain	Muscle or ligament tear	Pain in the lower back, possibly with muscle spasms
Sciatica	Irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve	Pain radiating down leg, tingling, and lower back pain
Herniated Disc	Soft disc material pushes out, affecting the nerve	Severe low back pain, with possible numbness or weakness

If you experience lower back pain when straightening up, you should:

Try resting and avoiding activities that worsen your pain.
Use ice or heat to alleviate discomfort.
If the pain is severe or persistent, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.