Sitting Back Pain

Sitting back pain is a common complaint for chronic lower back pain patients. Most lower back conditions are aggravated by long periods of seated posture. Humans have been sitting for countless generations. Why are we suddenly suffering so much from a position that is natural for our backs?

Causes, Reasons & Explanations of Sitting Back Pain

* Physical condition. A herniated disc or other spinal problem can be painful when sitting. Sitting drastically increases the pressure in our lower backs. This increased stress can cause pain in any weakened area.

* Psychological Suggestion. Patients have been warned over and over that sitting is bad for their lower back. This psychological suggestion has permeated deeply into our collective minds. We expect pain from sitting, and so we experience it. This is yet another example of the nocebo effect.

* Stress Related Activity. Many people sit the most at work. People with work related stress will be prone to experience psychological back pain when performing in the work environment.

* Driving back pain. Muscle tension is the most common form of back pain. Driving puts a person in a static position while experiencing a heightened state of awareness and back muscle tension. Driving requires constant vigilance which can create the scenario for muscular pain.

* Oxygen deprivation. The seated position is not good for lower body circulation. Oxygen deprivation back pain is often experienced by those patients who are predisposed to suffer from this type of pain. The actual cause of this condition can be physical or psychological.

Prevention of Sitting Back Pain

Do not sit for a long time without getting up to stretch occasionally. Sitting, like any posture, will wear on our bodies after an extended period of time. Muscles get acclimated to being in a certain position and can begin to feel tired and stiff. Keep moving around at least once an hour to avoid creating a potential muscular back pain condition.

Sit in a comfortable chair. Find a chair that works best for your needs. You may want to look into chairs specifically designed for ergonomic support. There are several varieties of specialty chairs, including kneeling chairs, that can help you to overcome seated back pain.

Vary your seated position. Distribute weight evenly and do not slouch. Keep your work station set up to prevent you from having to reach too far while sitting. An ergonomic work station can prevent many back pain problems from occurring.

Recommendation for Sitting Back Pain

Seated back pain was a personal nightmare of mine for 18 years. Sitting was the position that caused me the most pain. I travel extensively to Asia and endure up to 30 hours of plane time EACH way. When my back was bad, this was always a trial for me. I spent hours walking and standing on these long haul flights. I also drive many miles for my job. I can often spend all day in the car with little of no rest from driving. I was in a world of hurt because of my chronic lumbar back pain!!!

Now that my back is completely healed, I can sit with no discomfort. I can still get stiff from long periods of sitting, same as anyone. However, there is no more pain. I am so happy to be free from this constant burden of suffering. Now, I can work with a clear mind, instead of having half my brain focused on my pain. Travel has become a pure pleasure, rather than a chore. Sitting back pain is certainly possible to overcome.

�By the way�I still have 2 herniated discs in my lower back, L4/L5 and L5/S1. These are the typical discs that cause seated back pain for the majority of patients. I have no more pain from these poor degenerated discs. Sitting is no longer painful. I cured my pain with knowledge therapy. I did it�You can too!!!

Sitting Back Pain to Lower Back Pain Home page 8/4/06 Revised 5/14/08