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Severe Low Back Pain After Standing?

Not sure where to post this, but I'm getting worse with this problem.  I get severe low back pain after standing or walking.  It's been like this for a few years, but lately, I can't stand more than a couple minutes without feeling the need to bend forward to alleviate the pressure on my back.  I've mentioned it to my doctor and my chiropractor and both of them just sort of blow it off as nothing - but it's seriously affecting my quality of life.  Even grocery shopping is difficult anymore.  Any ideas?
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7721494 tn?1431627964
I doubt if the original poster is still here after 6 years, but for those who have similar symptoms....

Please understand, no one can make a diagnosis with one clue. The simple answer might be that Patti is carrying too much weight around her middle (it stresses the lower back), has poor muscle tone in her abdomen, and needs to strengthen her core set of muscles.

However, these signs could point to something more serious. When someone complains of standing pain that is relieved by flexion of the lumbar spine, that is, bending forward while walking, it could indicate lumbar spinal stenosis, ie, a narrowing of the spinal canal that pinches the spinal cord.  When the spinal cord is pinched by the lumber vertebrae, bending forward opens the spinal canal and relieves some of the pressure.

And there could be a host of other reasons for this pain.

To resolve this issue, this patient needs to see a spine specialist (not a chiropractor) for a history and physical exam. An MRI may be indicated if the physician finds further evidence of stenosis.

Best wishes to you all.
Helpful - 0
8155787 tn?1396782923
I'm not alone, makes me feel better....I have RA, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia. I'm 55 and over the past 5 yrs my body stiffness has worsened. About a year ago I started having soreness/pain in my lower back/left side, somewhat of a crushing/pressure feeling to the point that I would have to stop what I was doing, rest a bit, continue and then just sit til it eased up. I just chalked it up as, hey I'm getting older things are going to hurt ( I have never had back pain in my life ). However over the past 5 months all this has been more of a severe state...I can't walk for more than 5-10 minutes without that crushing pain feeling starting up....standing for a few minutes is the same. The more I am active the worse it gets. Sitting, resting helps, but once I start to do just normal everyday things it starts, by days end I'm almost hunched over. I also experience severe stiffness after walking to the point were I have trouble bending my legs just to get in a car. I have seen my PCP and Rheumatologist . I had an MRI ( lower back/lumbar spine ) and Bone density, both test show minimal issues. Fibromyalgia is what they both are tossing around a bit ( not a positive diagnosis for me ) Right now both dr's want me to try some stretches etc ( therapy isn't an option due to the cost and I lost my job ). So I am trying to stay active, along with trying stretches and all but nothing has changed. I'll be seeing my dr's again in a few weeks and my next step is to see  orthopedic  doctor. After reading all the comments on here from people having the same issues has made me feel better....I honestly didn't think anyone could have these same symptoms  detailed to the tee. I also seen a comment on here and read up on SI / Sacroiliac joints. I'll be speaking to my doctor about this too. I hope to find out just what is going on and I won't give up nor will I be pumped full of meds. This pain is real, and I want answers. I would like to hear from people who are going through this.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Again ,this is years later,but I'm suffering the very same symptoms. I have for years. It comes and goes and today ITS HERE!!! It almost feels like I've got a bump on my lower back side, but when I feel it ,there's no lump. It's hurting me to wash dishes and load them into the dish washer. I find my self leaning over the sink to relieve the pain,/ & pressure.
I hope you don't take this wrong ,but I'm glad there are others out there dealing with this. I have chronic pain in my neck and it took the des 3 years to figure out what we going on, and even now they can't quite explains all my symptoms. But This one I can now say "ahha!!!" I have horrible pain in my armpits too ,if anyone can identify........:)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Were you able to find out the problem? I am going through the same thing and I have been out of work for 11 months and no one can figure it out.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My lower back pain is only on my left side. Sitting or laying down is fine. It really gets bad when I'm on my feet alot. If I go shopping with the wife I'll wear one of those menthol cold/heat sticky pads and that really helps. If I keep walking at a fair pace the pain is not as apparaent but if I stop and look at some things with her or we move at a slow pace then it really hurts. It's only on my left side, never in the middle or the right and it's always down low like just above the hip bone. I am a 44 yr old male, selfemployed so I stay busy most of the time. I don't have time for the gym and I am overweight at 236lb at 6'2. i was very active for a while doing alot of hiking but my activity level has dropped because of lack of time. I feel like my main course of action should be lose some of the weight and make time for exercise. Recommendations are appreciated
Helpful - 0
7062654 tn?1387605524
I hear you all, on August 7, 2013 was walking thru grocery store, all of the sudden out of the blue, excruciating pain in lower back and deep muscle pain in thighs.  Since then I have gained 30 pounds.  I have been to a general orthopedic did the usual MRI Xrays blood work etc.  I still have no explanation for the lower back pain, after 3 minutes of standing or walking I have to sit.  It has changed my life, I cannot work, clean house, carry anything etc.  So far I know I have Degenerative disc disease, arthritis, herniated disc, bulging disc,  nodes, sciatica...........and the doctors have no clue why I cannot stand longer than 3 minutes.  I am in pain management now, diagnosed with chronic pain syndrome.  If I ever find out what is going on I promise to share the info.  PT did not help me.
Helpful - 0
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