Hi, I am a 20 year old male. I have an issue with my lower back where it will start hurting if I'm standing for too long. It acts very fast, starting anywhere between 3-20 minutes. I have spent a lot of my life sitting down in front of a computer since about 10 so it makes me think my back never developed properly. My spine does curve inward toward my stomach a bit when standing so I think there's pressure being put on my lower spine. The pain is relieved if I lean forward, hunch over or simply sitting down. I can't stand sitting in chairs without backs because if I have to keep my back straight up on my own, the pain will come.
What can I do? I feel like it's fairly serious for someone my age to be having the pains I do. I want to find a job but almost every job requires you to stand for long periods of time but it's very hard for me as the back pain will start quickly. Some days it can take up to an hour for it to kick in but those days are rare. I just want to be able to stand without my back hurting.
I would like to add that I am 6'0 and about 130 pounds.
Your back should curve naturally at the lumbar area anyway do not to worry about that.
My suggestion would be to get yourself along to the gym. Get a personal trainer to show you the ropes and get your core built up to protect your back.
You're still very young. Plenty time ahead of you.
I would keep away from gyms and trainers until you get a proper diagnosis from a CT or MRI scan.
Agreed. You should be evaluated first.
Sounds like it could be sacroiliac joint dysfunction, an MRI won't pick up on this, standing for any amount of time hurts but is relived upon sitting. Few Dr's pick up on this and the average time that it takes to be discovered is quite high. Tell your Dr about it and see what he/she says.
i I have had this ever since I fell and hurt my back at the age of 19. I am 62 now and it has always limited my life and job choice. The doctors just say more exercise to build up the back muscles and I do understand the importance of this. Nowadays they just dismiss it as age and tell me to make an appointment with the physio. They will give you exercises to do to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. You can find these online too. Try this as it should help. x