Lower Back Pain When Bending Over | 7 Causes & Treatments

Overusing your back can lead to a lot of significant problems, some of which can be highly dangerous if not taken care of. That is why the occurrence of lower back pain when you’re bending over is something to be concerned about. Whether you heard a pop or felt a sharp stabbing pain in your lower back, chances are it’s in dire need of rest and proper evaluation.

What Causes Lower Back Pain When You’re Bending Over?

Back pain is by far one of the most common medical issues out there. It affects every 8 out of 10 people. So, it’s not surprising if someone suddenly develops lower back pain. However, it’s only when it gets triggered by specific actions that it can be a cause for concern.

For instance, athletes can rupture their back muscles, leading to a bigger problem. In contrast, someone with a desk job could start feeling lower back pain due to bending over or sitting improperly. Either way, there are plenty of causes behind this phenomenon.

Strained or Pulled Muscle
Applying too much pressure on your lower back can easily strain it, causing you to pull a muscle. The pain you feel is because of stretched-out ligaments. But, with proper rest and anti-inflammatory medications, you can help alleviate the ache.

Muscle Spasms
An inflammation of your back muscles and ligaments leads to an internal muscle spasm. This can be painful, but you can manage the pain through rest and muscle stimulation therapy.

Herniated Disc
A herniated disc emerges when one of the cushiony discs slips out of the vertebrae. These discs absorb shock and work on stabilizing your lower back. So, when even one of them shifts, it can put immense pressure on the surrounding nerves.

Sciatica
An extended version of a herniated disc, sciatica arises when the rogue disc presses into the sciatic nerve. This can immobilize your lower spine, causing burning and pain in both legs.

Spondylolysis
Usually found in athletes and gymnasts, spondylolysis is a stress fracture of the spinal vertebrae. It arises as a result of continuous stress and pressure on the lower back, making it hard to sit up straight.

Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-term and inflammatory condition that affects your lower spine, pelvis, and hips. If left untreated, it could lead to a hunched back, permanently fusing your spinal vertebrae.

Arthritis
For people over 55, lower back pain can be caused by arthritis. The cartilage protecting your joints tends to deteriorate, leading to sharp pain and stiffness.

How To Treat Lower Back Pain From Sitting and Bending Over

Despite being extremely common, experiencing pain in your lower back is no joke. You can try to soothe the pain by yourself at home. However, if it doesn’t work and the pain lasts more than 3 to 5 days, visit a medical professional immediately. Nonetheless, here are some treatment options you can consider when dealing with lower back pain from bending over.

Switch between a cold and warm compress.
Opt for back pain acupuncture.
Fix your posture and sitting style.
Incorporate more Calcium, Vitamin D & Phospoous in your diet.
Sleep in a proper position.
Try yoga and other stretching exercises.
Sign up for medically supervised therapy (like infusion and physiotherapy).

What’s The Takeaway?

Lower back pain tends to arise when you’re bending over in the wrong manner or sitting for too long. If not treated early on, it could cause muscle spasms, strains, and further damage like arthritis. Nonetheless, if you notice a sudden sharp pain in the lower back, especially when bending over, contact a professional immediately.

If you live in Houston, make your way over to 13688 Breton Ridge St, STE H, Houston, TX 77070. You can spot our clinic, Rheumatology Care of North Houston, right beside Balance Podiatry. In case of a query or problem, you can also reach out to us by calling (832) 532-9779.