Lower back pain is one of the most common issues that people in the U.S. face. It’s so common that the National Institutes of Health estimates that about 80% of Americans will have to deal with it in their lifetime. Muscle problems can be the cause of lower back pain for many people, and there are two muscle issues in particular that could directly cause lower back pain when you’re sitting.
- Strained back muscles
A muscle strain isn’t something that’s fun to deal with no matter where it is. But it can be especially troublesome when it happens to a lower back muscle, and a strained muscle could be the reason you’re feeling lower back pain when sitting. This type of pain is common when a muscle in the lower back has been strained. The cause of the pain is the fact that the muscle has been overstretched or partially torn. Sitting for long periods of time can put additional stress on lower back muscles, which are necessary for holding your upper body upright when you sit. In turn, the extra stress can lead to pain in the lower back when you’re in a chair for long periods of time.
- Weak core muscles
Another muscle issue that can lead to lower back pain when sitting is weak core muscles. The core muscles are a group of muscles around your middle, and they include the lower back muscles. However, this group also includes muscles like the abs, obliques, diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles. Weakness in any one type of core muscle can place extra strain on the others. It can also make it harder to maintain good posture while you sit.
A common symptom with weak core muscles is lower back pain, but you might also have difficulty standing up without using your arms. Difficulty rolling over in bed at night can be a sign of weak core muscles as well. You might also notice a larger arch in your lower back when standing or walking if your core muscles are weak.
Get help for lower back pain when sitting from Panther Physical Therapy
Lower back pain when sitting is just one issue you can find help for at Panther Physical Therapy. Our team offers free screenings, and this service is intended to help us learn the source of your back pain. Our physical therapy specialists can then build you a personalized therapy plan using this information. We use the latest beneficial therapy techniques, and some therapy methods we might use to help your back pain include:
- Manual therapy
- Trigger point therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Therapeutic exercises
- Graston Technique®
Are you ready to take the next step to start getting our help with your back pain? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an appointment.