Lower back pain that worsens when standing or walking is common, and growing more so every day. The World Health Organization estimates that lower back pain affects more than 619 million people worldwide, and that number is expected to rise to 843 million by 2050.
With so many people facing this challenge, it’s important to understand why these symptoms happen and when to see a specialist. Dr. Rajesh Bindal, a respected board-certified neurosurgeon at Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center, expertly evaluates each patient’s symptoms to find the source of pain and recommend appropriate treatment.
Why standing or walking can trigger lower back pain
Standing places natural pressure on the spine. When joints, discs, or nerves are inflamed or irritated, that added pressure can quickly turn into discomfort. Some of the most commonly searched sources of lower back pain in Sugar Land are:
- Spinal stenosis: With spinal stenosis, the space around the nerves narrows excessively over time. Patients often describe relief when they sit or lean forward, only to have the pain return when they stand.
- Degenerative disc disease: In degenerative disc disease, an age-related condition, discs lose height and flexibility over time, and the nearby joints and nerves become stressed. This can lead to stiffness or aching that becomes more noticeable during upright activity.
- Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through a weak spot in the outer layer. When this material presses against a nearby nerve, standing or walking often makes the pain more noticeable. Some patients feel sharp, shooting discomfort that travels into the hip or leg, while others describe numbness, tingling, or heaviness. Because upright posture increases pressure inside the disc, symptoms can intensify with activity and ease when sitting or bending forward.
- Spinal compression fractures: Spinal compression fractures develop when weakened vertebrae collapse or crack, often due to osteoporosis or trauma. These fractures can make standing or walking particularly uncomfortable because the spine has to support more weight in an upright position. Patients often describe sudden or worsening pain, difficulty rising from a seated position, or discomfort that becomes more intense throughout the day. Even small movements, like bending or twisting, may aggravate the irritated bone and surrounding tissues.
When to schedule an evaluation
Pain that appears whenever you stand or walk may be a sign that your spine needs attention. You should schedule an appointment if symptoms last more than a few weeks, interfere with your routine, or are accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
During an evaluation, Dr. Bindal reviews your symptoms, performs a detailed exam, and may recommend imaging to understand better what is happening inside your spine.
Treatment plans often include activity adjustments, medications, injections, or minimally invasive procedures when appropriate. Early evaluation can help prevent symptoms from worsening and allow you to move more comfortably throughout the day.
Call us at 281-313-0031 to schedule an appointment and learn more about your treatment options for lower back pain.