Why Does My Lower Back Hurt When I Sit?
If your lower back hurts when sitting — whether at your desk, in the car, or on the couch — you’re not alone. Many patients in Airdrie tell us their pain actually feels worse the longer they stay seated.
While sitting may feel restful, it places significant stress on the lower spine. Understanding what causes lower back pain when sitting is the first step toward preventing it from becoming chronic. And, believe it or not, it’s not overly complicated.
Why Does Sitting Cause Lower Back Pain?
When you sit, the pressure inside your spinal discs increases compared to standing or walking. If posture is poor, that pressure increases even more.
Here are the most common reasons your lower back may hurt when sitting:
1. Increased Disc Pressure
Your spinal discs act as cushions between your vertebrae. When seated — especially in a slouched position — the discs experience greater compression. Over time, this can irritate surrounding nerves and soft tissues.
2. Poor Posture
Forward head posture and rounded shoulders shift your center of gravity. This overloads the lower back muscles and joints.
Small daily habits can gradually lead to strain. You may also find it helpful to read:
➡ 5 Everyday Habits That Cause Back Pain (and How to Fix Them):
https://accesschiropractic.net/everyday-habits-that-cause-back-pain/
3. Muscle Fatigue and Weak Core Support
Your core and stabilizing muscles support your spine while you sit. If they’re weak or fatigued, your lower back compensates — leading to stiffness and aching. Core strengthening and stability is not overly difficult, you just need to know what to do and how to do it! Please check out Dr. Bajor demonstrating a great core exercise, DEAD BUG, on our Instagram page! Here is the link!
https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18011492378076496/
4. Tight Hip Flexors
Prolonged sitting shortens hip flexor muscles. Tight hip flexors pull on the pelvis and increase stress on the lower back, often causing pain when you stand up.
Why Does My Back Hurt More When I Stand Up After Sitting?
Many people notice their lower back hurts most when transitioning from sitting to standing.
This happens because:
Joints become restricted
Muscles tighten
Discs absorb pressure while seated
When you move again, tissues must readjust — which can trigger sharp or stiff pain. In addition, when you have a weak core, all of your accessory muscles have to work hard to lift you up. Combine that with inflammation in your joints and you feel like you’re 90 years old!
When Is Lower Back Pain from Sitting More Serious?
Most cases of lower back pain when sitting are mechanical and improve with movement.
However, you should seek professional evaluation if you experience:
Pain lasting more than a few days
Numbness or tingling down the leg
Weakness in one leg
Pain after a car accident or fall
Pain that continues worsening
- You’ve iced and stretched and there has been no change
If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, learn more about your options on our:
➡ Back Pain Treatment in Airdrie page
https://accesschiropractic.net/back-pain-airdrie/
What Helps Lower Back Pain from Sitting?
If your lower back hurts when sitting, these strategies can help:
Stand and move every 30–45 minutes
Adjust your chair so hips sit slightly higher than knees
Keep screens at eye level
Strengthen your core
Stretch hip flexors daily
But if joint restrictions or disc irritation are involved, self-care alone may not resolve the issue.
Read about a very simple thing you can do to help reduce back pain, improve posture, and create good spinal habits without lifting a finger, exerting any energy exercising, or even paying for anything!
https://accesschiropractic.net/the-most-useful-thing-i-learned-this-month-posture/
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At Access Chiropractic & Wellness in Airdrie, we assess:
Spinal joint mobility
Muscle imbalances
Postural strain
Possible nerve involvement
Targeted chiropractic adjustments may help:
Improve joint motion
Reduce disc pressure
Decrease nerve irritation
Restore healthy movement patterns
Combined with corrective exercises, this approach often provides longer-lasting relief than rest alone.
Don’t Ignore Persistent Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain from sitting is common — but it isn’t something you have to live with. Those of you who are patients at the clinic already know you don’t have to live with back pain. You know what to do! However many of you who have never been may not realize that chiropractic care can free you from being limited in being active.
If sitting at work or driving around Airdrie is triggering discomfort, addressing the root cause early can prevent long-term issues.
➡ Book Your Assessment Today! https://accesschiropractic.net/contact/
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie
4-6
servings15
minutes10
minutesThis is a one pot super simple recipe that can be ready in no time and is tasty, healthy, and great for these last cold days of winter! Serve with bread or buns to sop up the sauce! This recipe is modified from one taken from Allrecipes.com!
Ingredients
1 cup chicken broth
1 medium onion diced
2 medium carrots diced
1 stalk celery diced
½ tsp each sea salt, dried thyme
¼ tsp each salt, pepper, garlic powder
¼ tsp ground sage (or summer savoury!)
2 chicken breasts diced
2 large potatoes diced
1 Tbsp butter (melted)
1 Tbsp flour
⅓ cup frozen peas
2-3 tsps Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Add everything EXCEPT the last 4 ingredients to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set on high pressure for 4 minutes. When it is done cooking, allow for the natural release of pressure.
While pressure is releasing, whisk butter and flour together until smooth paste.
Open lid and stir in paste and remaining ingredients. ENJOY!
Please feel free to visit our Facebook page, Instagram page, and Tiktok channels! Drs. Jacqueline Boyd and Paul Bajor are the only husband and wife chiropractic team in Airdrie, Alberta. Their practice, Access Chiropractic and Wellness, is located at #120, 52 Gateway Drive NE in the north of Airdrie. They have been in practice in Airdrie since 2004 and in practice since 2001. They have two kids named Liam and Julia and have one of the largest family practices in Airdrie. They have a vested interest in keeping Airdrie and surrounding communities healthy because Airdrie is also their home.
Dr. Boyd is also the chair of the Chiropractic Association of Alberta.
