Why Does My Back Hurt When I Sit For Too Long?

Hello, Liam here, the back pain specialist at Luckhurst Injury Clinic.

The question “Why does my back hurt when I sit for too long?” is one I hear from my patients at least five times per week here in Suffolk. While it’s a reasonable question, my concern lies in the lack of high-quality help available for people suffering from a stiff, achy lower back.

My clients at Luckhurst Injury Clinic often report that their chronic back pain, which started two years ago, was actually due to something relatively minor such as hanging out the washing, getting out of bed, or, commonly during summer, unpacking suitcases.

The number one concern my clients have is that their “discs are bulging,” their spine is “out of place,” or “worn out.” 

Have you ever had this fear?

If so, I guarantee your friends and family told you it would simply go away, or your GP prescribed you strong painkillers that made you feel worse than the pain itself. I see this far too often.

There is always a solution to your problem!

Below are the three most common reasons for back pain developing:

1. Trying Too Hard to Sit Upright

It’s funny how parents or grandparents always preached about maintaining good posture—keeping your back straight with shoulders back. We now know this was the worst advice. This causes more damage than it prevents.

Reason: The muscles are forced to contract for a long period to hold this position, and the by-products of this muscle contraction leave you with an achy, painful feeling.

2. Sitting for Too Much of the Day

We all sit. I am sitting while I type this out now! And I guess you are sitting while you read it. This is completely normal, so ditch that sit/stand desk and the walking pad under your desk.

(I’ll cover why another time).

Sitting for long periods will change the length of certain muscles around your back and legs. Additionally, the less we move, the weaker and heavier we become, causing more stiffness and stress on our back.

 Ask yourself how often you moved 10 years ago compared to now.

This could be the key to ridding yourself of back pain forever.

3. Your Sofa is Too Soft

How soft is your sofa? Did you love it in the shop because you melted into it? 

Now, when you sit on the sofa for multiple hours per day, compared to the 15 minutes in the shop, your back becomes flexed, and over time this will become painful.

Think about your position next time you’re enjoying your Netflix series. Let me know if it’s any good—I 100% need a new series to watch.

How Can I Fix This?

Firstly, book an appointment with a back pain specialist like myself. It’s the quickest and easiest route to becoming pain-free. I would rule out any more serious causes. In the meantime, give these a shot:

  • Move More: Set an alarm for every 45 to 60 minutes to stand up, stretch, and change position if you plan to sit for a long period.
  • Vary Your Position: If it hurts to slouch, sit upright for a bit. If it hurts to sit upright, allow yourself to slouch for a bit.
  • Stay Hydrated: Make sure you hydrate well.

If you are concerned about your back pain slowing you down, making you reach for painkillers, or even worrying about risky spinal surgery, and you want to get back to being the old you, simply call the number below to request a telephone consultation with Suffolk’s leading back pain specialist.

01473 845825

If you are in need of some quick relief while awaiting a first appointment with us at Luckhurst Injury Clinic, please follow this link to download and read our expert guide on how to fix your sore lower back.