Lower Back Pain when Straightening up from Bending
Bending is a normal activity that you do several times a day. But feeling pain when you straighten up from bending over can discourage you from carrying out your daily activities. Unfortunately, if the pain persists, it can become chronic and affect your quality of life. Therefore, getting prompt treatment is essential.
This article explores the common causes and treatment of lower back pain when you stand up from bending. You will also learn how Physical Therapy in Austin, Texas, can help and tips for preventing lower back pain.
Kindly read along!
Why Do You Feel Lower Back Pain When You Stand Up from Bending?
Although back pain can result from many causes, you are likely to feel pain when you straighten up after bending over due to any of the following;
Poor Posture
Poor posture when bending, lifting, or standing up can affect spinal alignment and strain back muscles. If back pain reduces after you straighten up, it may be due to poor posture.
Bulging Discs
Your spine consists of discs that cushion and support your upper body weight. When one of these discs moves out of place or breaks, it can put pressure on the surrounding nerves or spinal cord, leading to pain when straightening up. You are likely to have a bulging disc if you experience a blow to your back, lift heavy objects, or bend your lower back repeatedly.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a degenerative condition that causes inflammation in your spine. This disease can affect any part of your spine, especially your lower back. You may have this condition if you experience pain and stiffness when straightening your back or a grinding sensation whenever you move your spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis can occur due to your genetics, wear and tear, or if you experience a spinal injury.
Spinal Stenosis
The spine has spaces between it to allow for easy movement and flexibility. Unfortunately, these spaces can narrow due to injury, aging, and other diseases. This leads to spinal stenosis, a condition where the spine narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Spinal stenosis symptoms include pain when straightening your back, numbness, and weakness in your legs, arms, and feet. You may also find it difficult to walk or maintain your balance.
Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, the largest in the body, is irritated. It runs from the lower back to the leg. When you feel pain in your lower back and leg after straightening up, it may result from sciatica.
It is important to note that sciatica can be mild but, without treatment, can become chronic and lead to disability.
How to Avoid Lower Back Pain When Straightening Up from Bending
Bending is a normal daily activity, and doing it properly can help prevent pain. You can reduce pain when straightening up by following these tips;
Maintain proper posture
Proper posture is required for all daily activities, from sitting to standing to lifting, to maintain your spine’s alignment and prevent pain.
Stand as close as possible to the object and bend at your knees when lifting. Keep your back straight and look forward. Avoid bending at your waist or back. Afterward, lift the object with your legs and not your back. Tighten your stomach muscles and slowly lift the object.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help you stay in shape and strengthen your core. You should aim for strengthening and stretching exercises to improve mobility, flexibility, and endurance.
Stand and stretch
Sitting for prolonged periods can pressure your lower back and cause pain whenever you straighten up. You should aim to stand up and stretch at regular intervals, especially if you work at a desk.
Treatment for Lower Back Pain when Straightening up from Bending
If your lower back pain is mild, you can try at-home remedies. Ice packs, sleeping in a curled position with a pillow between your legs, and over-the-counter drugs can help relieve pain. However, you should see a doctor if the pain persists or worsens. Accompanying symptoms like fever, numbness in your legs, and difficulty moving around, also require immediate medical attention.
Physical therapy for Lower Back Pain when Straightening up from Bending
Physiotherapy is a drug-free treatment for lower back pain. This treatment is tailored and addresses your specific needs. Before commencing treatment, your therapist will examine your symptoms to identify the cause of your back pain.
Carter Physiotherapy may include the following techniques in your treatment plan include;
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment for lower back pain. It includes techniques like massage therapy, soft tissue manipulation, and joint mobilization. Your therapist will apply these techniques to induce relaxation, relieve pain, and improve flexibility.
Modalities
Physical therapy modalities involve the use of tools and machines to address the cause of pain and promote well-being. Some modalities that your physiotherapist may use to treat your lower back pain include electrical stimulation dry needling.
When you visit your therapist for treatment, they will recommend the best treatment for your condition and safely administer it.
Therapeutic Exercises
Therapeutic exercises help promote flexibility and improve function. They aim to improve strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility.
Your therapist will design an exercise program to relieve pain and restore function. They will also show you how to do the exercises safely and in the proper posture to prevent further injury.
Conclusion
If you feel lower back pain whenever you straighten up from bending over, do not disregard it. Even if the pain goes away after a few days, it may come back, especially if it is a result of an underlying condition. That is why you should get physical therapy for back pain in Austin, TX.
Your therapist will examine your condition and create a tailored treatment plan to address your needs. They will also work with you actively and passively to regain function and mobility. You don’t have to wait till your pain becomes chronic. Schedule a consultation today.
If your pain or injury is keeping you from living the life you desire, call/text 512-693-8849 now or if you'd prefer we reach out to you, fill out the brief form in the sidebar (or below if you're on mobile).
