Why Do I Get Lower Back Pain When Sitting For Long Period?
In this era, majority of the works, plays, and spends the bulk of their lives in a seated position. Sitting down is supposed to be a way to relax after a long day on your feet. But for many people, sitting for prolonged periods can be a major cause of back pain. Do you know that sitting create more pressure on the disc compare to standing.
What Causes Lower Back Pain When Sitting?
Back pain is one of the most common causes for patients to seek medical care in both primary care and emergency setting. Dr. Steven J. Atlas, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School says that if you experience lower back pain when sitting, the problem could be one of several common conditions.
Muscle strain
A muscle occurs when you overstretch or twist your back too much. If you have a muscle strain, you may experience pain that extends down into your buttocks but not your legs. It can also become an ongoing problem if it’s due to poor sitting posture and it take a longer time to recover.
Sciatica
Sciatic nerve are the longest nerves in your body, running from the lower back into each leg. The pain can be anything from a dull aching sensation to what feels like an electric shock that involves the lower back, the leg, and sometimes the foot.
Herniated Discs
In particular pressure cause the disc to push out of its normal shape, meaning it develops a bulge that can pinch a nearby spinal nerve, causing pain.
Other medical conditions
Sometimes you might have lower back pain due to other medical condition such as kidney stone and abdominal artery problem. If your core muscle weak, they may not be supporting your spine well enough and lead to pain.
What Is the Best Sitting Position for Lower Back Pain?
The key to recovering is maintaining the normal curve of the spine. Supporting the hollow of your back will help decrease your recovery time.
- Sit as little as possible, and only for short periods of time (15 to 30 minutes).
- Sit with a back support (such as a rolled-up towel) at the curve of your back.
- Keep your hips and knees at a right angle. Your legs should not be crossed and your feet should be flat on the floor.
08 Aug 2024
