🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 58 (from laksa054)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa058.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/low-back-pain/lower-back-pain-when-standing\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/low-back-pain/lower-back-pain-when-standing\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/low-back-pain\/lower-back-pain-when-standing","crawl_time":1775939678,"first_indexed_time":1693914518,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,healthcentral!www,\/condition\/low-back-pain\/lower-back-pain-when-standing s443","src_root_hash":"12870066951298225258","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How Muscle Relaxers Work for Back and Neck Pain","meta_descriptions":["Lower back pain when standing may be due to poor posture, muscle strain, or spinal issues. Strengthening exercises and ergonomic adjustments can help alleviate lower back discomfort."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Back Pain\nOverview\nBack Sprain\nHerniated Disc\nLower Back\nSciatica\nUpper Back\nMedically Reviewed\nWhy Your Lower Back Hurts When You Stand\nDoes your lower back ache after you stand around or when you first stand up after sitting? Here’s what might be causing the problem, and what may help.\nBy\nMaybe you’ve been standing in a long line at a busy market, and as you finally inch forward, you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your lower back. Or you stand up after sitting at your desk for hours and there’s a dull ache that you automatically try to massage away in your tight lower-back muscles.\nAlthough pain in your lower back while standing is often related to muscle fatigue, there’s a breadth of other possibilities, notes\nJustin Mullner, M.D.\n, a sports medicine physician at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute in Orlando, FL.\n“Lower back pain is very common, to the point that\nmost people will experience this at some point in their lives\n,” he says. In fact, an estimated 75% to 85% of U.S. adults will face some form of back pain during their lifetime,\naccording to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons\n. And when it comes to triggers, “there may be some position, such as sitting or standing, that can make that pain more noticeable,” adds Dr. Mullner.\nHere’s a look at some possible reasons your back may be affected when you stand for a while (or when you first stand up after sitting for some time), along with remedies that may help, and when to see a doctor.\nCommon Causes of Lower Back Pain\nThe muscles in your back are connected to nerves, tendons, and other muscles—so it’s not always easy to figure out precisely what may be causing pain, says\nNeel Anand\n, M.D., director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles.\nHowever, looking at specific symptoms in addition to noticing general pain can help narrow down the possibilities. Here are some top culprits that might cause back pain while standing:\nAnkylosing spondylitis\n(AS).\nWith AS, a form of arthritis, the back pain improves with movement and worsens when standing still, lying down, or sitting. You can also feel tightness in other areas, including the neck, shoulders, hips, or thighs.\nHerniated disc\n. When a spinal disc is compressed, you may feel numbness, burning, or tingling, especially on one side of your back; the pain typically feels sharp and sudden.\nPoor posture\n.\nHunching and slumping may produce a dull ache in your back as well as the shoulders and neck; rounded shoulders; and\/or a feeling of weakness, strain, or muscle tension after standing or sitting.\nSciatica\n. Caused by pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the back of the leg, this condition produces pain in the hips and buttocks as well as the back; difficulty walking on your toes or bending your foot; loss of sensation or numbness; and\/or symptoms that appear on only one side of the body.\nSpinal stenosis\n.\nWith a narrowing of the spinal canal, you may feel a loss of sensation in the feet; cramping or weakness in the legs; and\/or burning pain in the buttocks and down into the legs.\nStrained muscle\n.\nBruising, swelling, or weakness in the lower back can accompany a strained back muscle; muscle spasms and tightness in the back are also common.\nKeep in mind that back pain may not even be specifically about your back, Dr. Anand adds. For example, you may be experiencing pain due to a condition related to\nchronic obstructive pulmonary disease\n,\nkidney stones\n, gallstones, and\neven some types of cancers\n. Because of that, it’s especially important to get assessed if your pain is becoming more painful or noticeable, says Dr. Anand.\nAlleviating Lower Back Pain\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO),\ntreatment for non-specific low back pain\n—which means pain that doesn’t have a specific diagnosis like ankylosing spondylitis or\nherniated disc\n—can often be treated with a range of approaches. These can include:\nAlternating heat and ice\non the affected muscles\nGentle movement and stretching\n, such as yoga, and low-impact exercise like swimming\nOccupational therapy that assesses physical work and movement patterns\nPhysical therapy that improves muscle strength in the back and other affected areas such as the hips\nThe WHO notes that pain medication should not be the first-line treatment for non-specific lower back pain, since movement and reduction of\ninflammation\nwith icing and heat tends to work well for most people. That said, if the pain becomes chronic, your doctor may recommend medication or a therapy like corticosteroid shots, which can lower inflammation levels in the back, depending on the cause of your pain.\nPreventing Low Back Pain When Standing\nPrevention efforts for\nlow back pain\nthat flares when standing after sitting up or standing in one place for some time will depend largely on what’s driving that problem, says Dr. Mullner. However, there are some strategies that can be helpful for most low back issues. These include:\nChanging your position more often during the day, such as standing up for a few minutes every hour or so if you are seated or moving around if you are standing in one spot\nDoing gentle stretches during work breaks, so your muscles aren’t in one set position for too long\nEvaluating your mattress and sleep setup: Sometimes, an improper sleeping position can trigger back pain during the day.\nReconfiguring your work setup so it’s more ergonomic: For example, if you sit, evaluate whether your chair is positioned correctly in front of your desk or computer to prevent muscle fatigue; if you stand, make sure you aren’t bending or straining the muscles.\nIt can also help to adopt healthy habits that don’t seem related to lower back muscles but still play a part, says Dr. Mullner. For example,\nresearch suggests\nthere’s a significant association between chronic low back pain and emotional stress, so taking steps to reduce stress (like doing yoga, going for a walk, or doing meditation) could help\nprevent back pain\nor keep pain from worsening.\nWhen to See a Doctor\nIf you’ve tried home remedies and the back pain isn’t going away—and especially if it’s getting worse—that’s usually an indication to see a doctor, says Dr. Anand.\n“Even though back pain is very common, and may start going away on its own after a couple days, there are some signs that you should see a doctor for this issue, particularly if the pain is beginning to affect your mobility and quality of life,” he adds. Consider making an appointment if you have any of these happening:\nBack pain that lasts longer than a few days, becomes more acute whenever you stand, or is particularly sharp\nIf you have a history of back problems,\nosteoporosis\n, respiratory condition, or any other chronic illness\nPain accompanied by other issues like fever, shortness of breath, unexpected weight loss, stiffness or weakness in the legs, or loss of control over your bowels or bladder\nPain that affects other parts of the body, such as hips, buttocks, and legs\nPain that interferes with everyday tasks or makes it difficult to move normally: for example, if you need to move in awkward or different ways to avoid sharp pain after standing\nPain that starts after a recent accident\nIn general, low back pain that’s tied to muscle fatigue or poor posture should start to resolve within a few days with gentle movement, heat, icing, and strategic rest periods, says Dr. Anand. But if you’re starting to be concerned and the pain is sharp, it’s best to get checked so you can start a more tailored treatment based on what may be causing the issue.","attrs_markdown":"[HealthCentral Home](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/)\n\n- Communities\n  Back to main menu \\| Communities\n  \n  - [Alopecia](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/community\/alopecia)\n  - [Alzheimer’s Disease](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/community\/alzheimers-disease)\n  - [Asthma](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/community\/asthma)\n  - [Atrial Fibrillation](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/community\/atrial-fibrillation)\n  - [ATTR-CM](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/community\/transthyretin-cardiac-amyloidosis)\n  - [Axial Spondyloarthritis](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/community\/axial-spondyloarthritis)\n  - [Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/community\/bipolar-disorder)\n  - [Breast Cancer](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/community\/breast-cancer)\n  - [Chronic Hives](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/community\/chronic-hives)\n  - 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Here’s what might be causing the problem, and what may help.\n\nUpdated Oct 11, 2023\n\nBy\n\n[Elizabeth Millard](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/author\/elizabeth-millard)\n\nMedical Reviewer[Michael Briseño, M.D.](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/author\/michael-briseno)\n\n![A man stretches at his desk](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/3dUahFIPGVqHd3M8xnS7xb\/ba2f46321f83218df0c388d659008a5b\/large-GettyImages-1396489606-3000x2000.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=492&h=328)\n\n[Getty Images\/martin-dm](https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/man-working-at-standing-desk-royalty-free-image\/1396489606)\n\nMaybe you’ve been standing in a long line at a busy market, and as you finally inch forward, you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your lower back. Or you stand up after sitting at your desk for hours and there’s a dull ache that you automatically try to massage away in your tight lower-back muscles.\n\nAlthough pain in your lower back while standing is often related to muscle fatigue, there’s a breadth of other possibilities, notes [Justin Mullner, M.D.](https:\/\/www.orlandohealth.com\/physician-finder\/justin-a-mullner-md#\/overview), a sports medicine physician at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute in Orlando, FL.\n\n“Lower back pain is very common, to the point that [most people will experience this at some point in their lives](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/low-back-pain),” he says. In fact, an estimated 75% to 85% of U.S. adults will face some form of back pain during their lifetime, [according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons](https:\/\/www.aans.org\/en\/Patients\/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments\/Low-Back-Pain). And when it comes to triggers, “there may be some position, such as sitting or standing, that can make that pain more noticeable,” adds Dr. Mullner.\n\nHere’s a look at some possible reasons your back may be affected when you stand for a while (or when you first stand up after sitting for some time), along with remedies that may help, and when to see a doctor.\n\n## Common Causes of Lower Back Pain\nThe muscles in your back are connected to nerves, tendons, and other muscles—so it’s not always easy to figure out precisely what may be causing pain, says [Neel Anand](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/provider\/neelakantan-anand-2682899.html), M.D., director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles.\n\nHowever, looking at specific symptoms in addition to noticing general pain can help narrow down the possibilities. Here are some top culprits that might cause back pain while standing:\n\n- [**Ankylosing spondylitis**](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/ankylosing-spondylitis) **(AS).** With AS, a form of arthritis, the back pain improves with movement and worsens when standing still, lying down, or sitting. You can also feel tightness in other areas, including the neck, shoulders, hips, or thighs.\n- [**Herniated disc**](https:\/\/www.aans.org\/Patients\/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments\/Herniated-Disc). When a spinal disc is compressed, you may feel numbness, burning, or tingling, especially on one side of your back; the pain typically feels sharp and sudden.\n- [**Poor posture**](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/multimedia\/back-pain\/sls-20076817)**.** Hunching and slumping may produce a dull ache in your back as well as the shoulders and neck; rounded shoulders; and\/or a feeling of weakness, strain, or muscle tension after standing or sitting.\n- [**Sciatica**](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/for-patients-and-visitors\/patient-information\/conditions-treated-a-to-z\/sciatica). Caused by pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the back of the leg, this condition produces pain in the hips and buttocks as well as the back; difficulty walking on your toes or bending your foot; loss of sensation or numbness; and\/or symptoms that appear on only one side of the body.\n- [**Spinal stenosis**](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/spinal-stenosis)**.** With a narrowing of the spinal canal, you may feel a loss of sensation in the feet; cramping or weakness in the legs; and\/or burning pain in the buttocks and down into the legs.\n- [**Strained muscle**](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/22336-muscle-strains)**.** Bruising, swelling, or weakness in the lower back can accompany a strained back muscle; muscle spasms and tightness in the back are also common.\n\nKeep in mind that back pain may not even be specifically about your back, Dr. Anand adds. For example, you may be experiencing pain due to a condition related to [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/copd), [kidney stones](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/back-pain-or-kidney-pain), gallstones, and [even some types of cancers](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4101555\/). Because of that, it’s especially important to get assessed if your pain is becoming more painful or noticeable, says Dr. Anand.\n\n#### Sign up for our bi-monthly Chronic Pain Newsletter.\nYour [privacy](https:\/\/www.healthcentralcorp.com\/privacy-policy%20) is important to us.\n\n![Woman with a headache](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/7CxMx28nmCcb06ih0HmN08\/cf4b8b60c7fea1ea0aca463211b4d9b5\/Chronic-Pain-GettyImages-1276385699-3000x2000.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=180&h=120)\n## Alleviating Lower Back Pain\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), [treatment for non-specific low back pain](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/low-back-pain)—which means pain that doesn’t have a specific diagnosis like ankylosing spondylitis or [herniated disc](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/herniated-disc\/herniated-bulging-discs)—can often be treated with a range of approaches. These can include:\n\n- [Alternating heat and ice](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/article\/hot-and-cold-therapy-for-muscles) on the affected muscles\n- [Gentle movement and stretching](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/herniated-disc\/exercises-stretches-herniated-disc-pain), such as yoga, and low-impact exercise like swimming\n- Occupational therapy that assesses physical work and movement patterns\n- Physical therapy that improves muscle strength in the back and other affected areas such as the hips\n\nThe WHO notes that pain medication should not be the first-line treatment for non-specific lower back pain, since movement and reduction of [inflammation](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/pain-management\/inflammation) with icing and heat tends to work well for most people. That said, if the pain becomes chronic, your doctor may recommend medication or a therapy like corticosteroid shots, which can lower inflammation levels in the back, depending on the cause of your pain.\n\n## Preventing Low Back Pain When Standing\nPrevention efforts for [low back pain](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/low-back-pain) that flares when standing after sitting up or standing in one place for some time will depend largely on what’s driving that problem, says Dr. Mullner. However, there are some strategies that can be helpful for most low back issues. These include:\n\n- Changing your position more often during the day, such as standing up for a few minutes every hour or so if you are seated or moving around if you are standing in one spot\n- Doing gentle stretches during work breaks, so your muscles aren’t in one set position for too long\n- Evaluating your mattress and sleep setup: Sometimes, an improper sleeping position can trigger back pain during the day.\n- Reconfiguring your work setup so it’s more ergonomic: For example, if you sit, evaluate whether your chair is positioned correctly in front of your desk or computer to prevent muscle fatigue; if you stand, make sure you aren’t bending or straining the muscles.\n\nIt can also help to adopt healthy habits that don’t seem related to lower back muscles but still play a part, says Dr. Mullner. For example, [research suggests](https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-021-94001-1) there’s a significant association between chronic low back pain and emotional stress, so taking steps to reduce stress (like doing yoga, going for a walk, or doing meditation) could help [prevent back pain](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/upper-back-pain\/how-prevent-upper-back-pain) or keep pain from worsening.\n\n## When to See a Doctor\nIf you’ve tried home remedies and the back pain isn’t going away—and especially if it’s getting worse—that’s usually an indication to see a doctor, says Dr. Anand.\n\n“Even though back pain is very common, and may start going away on its own after a couple days, there are some signs that you should see a doctor for this issue, particularly if the pain is beginning to affect your mobility and quality of life,” he adds. Consider making an appointment if you have any of these happening:\n\n- Back pain that lasts longer than a few days, becomes more acute whenever you stand, or is particularly sharp\n- If you have a history of back problems, [osteoporosis](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/osteoporosis), respiratory condition, or any other chronic illness\n- Pain accompanied by other issues like fever, shortness of breath, unexpected weight loss, stiffness or weakness in the legs, or loss of control over your bowels or bladder\n- Pain that affects other parts of the body, such as hips, buttocks, and legs\n- Pain that interferes with everyday tasks or makes it difficult to move normally: for example, if you need to move in awkward or different ways to avoid sharp pain after standing\n- Pain that starts after a recent accident\n\nIn general, low back pain that’s tied to muscle fatigue or poor posture should start to resolve within a few days with gentle movement, heat, icing, and strategic rest periods, says Dr. Anand. But if you’re starting to be concerned and the pain is sharp, it’s best to get checked so you can start a more tailored treatment based on what may be causing the issue.\n\nThis article was originally published August 31, 2023 and most recently updated October 11, 2023.\n\n© 2026 HealthCentral LLC. All rights reserved.\n\nSources\n\n**Prevalence\/Treatment (1):** World Health Organization. (2023.) “Low back pain.” https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/low-back-pain\n\n**Prevalence\/Treatment (2):** American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (n.d.) “Low Back Pain.” https:\/\/www.aans.org\/en\/Patients\/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments\/Low-Back-Pain\n\n**Herniated Disc Symptoms\/Treatment:** American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2023.) “Herniated Disc - Symptoms, Causes, Prevention.” https:\/\/www.aans.org\/Patients\/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments\/Herniated-Disc\n\n**Poor Posture:** Mayo Clinic. (2023.) “Good posture tips.” <https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/multimedia\/back-pain\/sls-20076817>\n\n**Spinal Stenosis:** Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023.) “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.” <https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/lumbar-spinal-stenosis>\n\n**Sciatica Symptoms:** Penn Medicine. (2023.) “Sciatica: Symptoms and Causes.” <https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/for-patients-and-visitors\/patient-information\/conditions-treated-a-to-z\/sciatica>\n\n**Muscle Strain:** Cleveland Clinic (2021.) “Muscle Strains.” <https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/22336-muscle-strains>\n\n**Cancer:** *Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy*. (2014.) “Metastatic cancer mimicking mechanical low back pain.” <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4101555\/>\n\n**Stress:** *Scientific Reports*. (2020.) “Association between chronic low back pain and degree of stress: a nationwide cross-sectional study.” <https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-021-94001-1>\n\nCopy Link\n\nShare\n\n- [Share via 2kzR4gzX2wJ9G70OONFSkX-facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Flow-back-pain%2Flower-back-pain-when-standing%3Fap%3Dsocs&quote=Why%20Your%20Lower%20Back%20Hurts%20When%20You%20Stand)\n- [Share via 2kzR4gzX2wJ9G70OONFSkX-pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?description=undefined&media=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Flow-back-pain%2Flower-back-pain-when-standing%3Fap%3Dsocs)\n- [Share via 2kzR4gzX2wJ9G70OONFSkX-twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Flow-back-pain%2Flower-back-pain-when-standing%3Fap%3Dsocs&via=HealthCentral&text=Why%20Your%20Lower%20Back%20Hurts%20When%20You%20Stand&hashtags=HealthCentral&related=healthcentral,health_tips,thebodydotcom,wellsphere)\n- [Share via 2kzR4gzX2wJ9G70OONFSkX-mail](mailto:?body=I%20saw%20this%20on%20HealthCentral%2C%20and%20thought%20you%20might%20want%20to%20see%20it%2C%20too%3A%0A%0AWhy%20Your%20Lower%20Back%20Hurts%20When%20You%20Stand%20%20%0A%20%20%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Flow-back-pain%2Flower-back-pain-when-standing%3Fap%3Dsocs%0A%20%20%0AAt%20HealthCentral%2C%20chronic%20meets%20community.%20We%E2%80%99re%20here%20to%20help%20you%20live%20your%20best%20life.%20Visit%20us%20and%20sign%20up%20for%20our%20free%20newsletter%20at%20HealthCentral.com.)\n\nPrint\n\n[Our Review Process](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/medical-review-board)\n\n[Elizabeth Millard, Health Writer:](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/author\/elizabeth-millard)\n\nElizabeth Millard is a journalist specializing in health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition. Her articles have appeared in SELF, Men’s Health, CNN, MyFitnessPal, and WebMD, and she has worked on patient education materials for Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group.\n\n[Michael Briseño, M.D., Orthopedic Spine Surgeon:](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/author\/michael-briseno)\n\nMichael Briseño, M.D., is an orthopedic spine surgeon at North Texas Orthopedics & Spine Center.\n\n![](data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=)\n\n#### More Like This\n[Back Pain When Your Back Hurts for No Reason Medically Reviewed![woman with nonspecific low back pain explaining to doctor about idiopathic back pain](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/1ovfJLSKdI8N2ZP8zCl8yR\/144248b9b2bbb539afb93f048f4487b9\/nonspecific_low_back_pain_featured_iStock-1342134440.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/nonspecific-low-back-pain)\n\n[Low Back Pain Does Drinking Alcohol Lead to Lower Back Pain? Medically Reviewed![Female doctor holding bottle and glass of wine](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/spu_article_fid40294_asset\/a7079be13ef365b4620d6080edd69244\/42506-doctor_with_wine.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/low-back-pain\/does-drinking-alcohol-lead-lower-back-pain)\n\n[Back Pain The Back-Safe Guide to Kettlebells Medically Reviewed![The Back-safe Guide to Kettlebells](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/spu_article_fid44031_asset\/39c60a2d30c08c4ee147e400013cf9b8\/51828-kettlebells_back_pain_featured.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/back-safe-guide-kettlebells)\n\n[Low Back Pain Why Does My Back Always Hurt? Medically Reviewed![Physical Exam](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/spu_article_fid31879_asset\/0f55c15bb1da0393e76360e3334b110b\/4206-chiroexam14712497_m.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/low-back-pain\/why-does-my-back-always-hurt)\n\nMedically Reviewed\n\n# How Muscle Relaxers Work for Back and Neck Pain\nThese medications tackle spasms primarily by sedating the central nervous system. Are they right for you?\n\nUpdated Oct 5, 2023\n\nBy\n\n[Janet Lee](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/author\/janet-lee)\n\nMedical Reviewer[Elizabeth Carroll, M.D.](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/author\/elizabeth-carroll)\n\n![A man touches his neck in pain](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/6lauFu6zQNXiMAlWF7RiAe\/4f327f5e34c968b101121aa20dadf7a1\/large-GettyImages-1663989842-3000x2000.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=492&h=328)\n\n[Getty Images\/Fabio Camandona](https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/exhausted-young-caucasian-male-worker-sit-at-desk-royalty-free-image\/1663989842)\n\n###### Jump To\n- [Antispasmotics](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/low-back-pain\/lower-back-pain-when-standing#antispasmotics)\n- [Muscle Spasticity](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/low-back-pain\/lower-back-pain-when-standing#muscle-spasticity)\n- [Natural Remedies](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/low-back-pain\/lower-back-pain-when-standing#natural-remedies)\n- [Home Remedies](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/low-back-pain\/lower-back-pain-when-standing#home-remedies)\n- [Prevention](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/low-back-pain\/lower-back-pain-when-standing#prevention)\n\nA weekend spent gardening. A raucous game of pickleball. Bending over to pick up a dropped pen. Suddenly your neck or [back seizes up](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain) and it’s hard to catch your breath. Muscle spasms, where the muscle involuntarily contracts—and stays that way—for a few seconds, minutes, or longer, are painful and impossible to predict. “They can occur at night (called nocturnal spasms), after exercise, or around an injured area,” says [Bhuvaneswari Sandeep Ram](https:\/\/biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu\/faculty\/bhuvaneswari-sandeep-ram-md), M.B.B.S. (an international equivalent of M.D.), an assistant professor of anesthesia and critical care at The University of Chicago Medicine in Chicago, IL. Muscles may also spasm due to dehydration or because of a [neurological disorder](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/n\/neuromuscular-disorders.html).\n\n“Spasms can happen anywhere in the body, depending on the cause,” says [Dara Jones](https:\/\/www.hss.edu\/physicians_jones-dara.asp), M.D., a pediatric physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. “The most common places that we see them from daily activities are in the lower back, neck, and shoulders.”\n\nAlthough non-prescription solutions can sometimes help alleviate the pain and discomfort of muscle spasms, other times you may need something stronger. That’s where muscle relaxers, which work by stopping spasms at the source, can help. Follow these guidelines for treating muscle spasms and related disorders through both medications, physical therapy, and other modalities, and check out the home remedies designed to provide relief.\n\nAntispasmotics\n\n## How Do Antispasmodics Work?\n\nSkeletal muscles get their cues to contract or relax from the brain (in the central nervous system), which sends messages to the muscles via signals from the peripheral nervous system. So when a muscle is spasming (or contracting without your wanting it to), it makes sense to act on the source of that signal. Medications called centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxers work by sedating or depressing the central nervous system, which interrupts signaling between the brain and muscles, according to Dr. Jones—it’s kind of like shutting off the electricity at the fuse box.\n\nIf you have a back or [neck spasm](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/neck-pain) that just won’t relent, and you’re unable to move around, sleep, or function, your doctor may prescribe one of these medications below, says Dr. Jones. All of these come with side effects—some more serious than others—and should only be taken for a limited time, often no more than a few weeks, according to experts at [Penn Medicine](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/news-releases\/2020\/june\/long-term-use-of-muscle-relaxants-has-skyrocketed-since-2005). (Always tell your doctor about other medications and supplements you’re taking as well.)\n\n### Soma (Carisoprodol)\nA sedative, [carisoprodol](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK553077\/#:~:text=Indications-,Carisoprodol%20is%20an%20FDA-approved%20drug%20indicated%20for%20the%20relief,three%20weeks%20of%20use%20only.)‘s standard dose is 250 to 350 mg taken three times a day and at bedtime. It can be habit forming and should only be used for two to three weeks.\n\n### Flexeril, Amrix (Cyclobenzaprine)\n[Cyclobenzaprine](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK513362\/#:~:text=Cyclobenzaprine%20is%20a%20centrally%20acting,depressant%20that%20reduces%20muscle%20hyperactivity.), one of the most commonly prescribed muscle relaxants, is a cyclical antidepressant that reduces muscle hyperactivity. It’s sometimes used off-label for [fibromyalgia](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/signs-symptoms-fibromyalgia), a condition that causes widespread pain in the muscles. The usual dose is 5 to 10 mg three times a day.\n\n#### Sign up for our bi-monthly Chronic Pain Newsletter.\nYour [privacy](https:\/\/www.healthcentralcorp.com\/privacy-policy%20) is important to us.\n\n![Woman with a headache](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/7CxMx28nmCcb06ih0HmN08\/cf4b8b60c7fea1ea0aca463211b4d9b5\/Chronic-Pain-GettyImages-1276385699-3000x2000.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=180&h=120)\n### Skelaxin (Metaxalone)\nThis med is usually given in doses of 800 mg three to four times a day. Like other muscle relaxants, [metaxalone](https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/metaxalone.html) has a sedating effect.\n\n### Robaxin (Methocarbamol)\nThe standard dose for [methocarbamol](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK565868\/#:~:text=Methocarbamol%20is%20a%20centrally-acting,for%20muscle%20spasms%20since%201957.), another sedative, is 1,500 mg a day, split into three 500 mg tablets or two 750 mg tablets.\n\n### Norflex (Orphenadrine)\n[Orphenadrine](https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/fda\/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6e89e43d-a3fc-481e-8aed-d6955fa2a14b&type=display) is both a muscle relaxant and an anticholinergic, a drug that blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which can cause muscles to become overly excited or paralyzed if there’s too much of it. Because of its anticholinergic properties, orphenadrine is often used to control tremors caused by [Parkinson’s disease](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/parkinsons-disease). A typical dose is 100 mg twice a day.\n\nMuscle Spasticity\n\n## Muscle Spasticity and Medications\n\nMuscle spasticity may look a little like muscle spasms, but the two differ on many levels. While spasms are usually relatively brief and temporary, depending on the cause, spasticity can be chronic, explains Dr. Jones. “It’s a disorder of muscle tone, which implies there’s increased tension in the muscle at rest.” When you try to stretch the muscle, there’s resistance, especially if you try to do it quickly. Over time, it can lead to contracture, which is when the muscles, joints, or supporting structures become restricted and stuck in one position.\n\nSpasticity is often chronic. It’s common in people who have suffered a [stroke](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/stroke) or spinal cord injury or who have [multiple sclerosis](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/multiple-sclerosis), an autoimmune condition that attacks the fatty, insulating myelin sheaths that encase part of your nerve cells. “Spasticity is always abnormal and points to a neurologic condition that needs to be investigated,” says Dr. Jones.\n\nUnlike spasms, muscle spasticity can only really be treated with medications called antispastics. These work primarily on the central nervous system, but some, such as dantrolene (see below) can work directly on the muscle, says Dr. Jones. Your doctor will closely monitor your treatment to make sure medications like the ones below—which can be taken for months—aren’t damaging your liver or kidneys or causing dangerous side effects.\n\n### Lioresal, OZOBAX (Baclofen)\nA gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist, specifically a GABA B agonist, [baclofen](https:\/\/go.drugbank.com\/drugs\/DB00181) helps reduce excitability in the muscles by prolonging how long GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter (meaning it inhibits the muscle tension), remains available. Baclofen comes in different forms and can even be delivered via an implanted [pump in the abdomen](https:\/\/www.neuromodulationjournal.org\/article\/S1094-7159\\(21\\)00205-1\/fulltext). The typical tablet dose is 5 mg three times a day, which your doctor may gradually step up to no more than 80 mg per day.\n\n### Dantrium (Dantrolene)\nUnlike medications that work on the central nervous system, [dantrolene](https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/dantrolene.html) targets the muscles directly to get them to relax. The typical dose is no more than 100 mg four times a day.\n\n### Zaniflex (Tizanidine)\nThis relaxant blocks pain signaling between the muscle and brain, which helps relax the muscles. [Tizanidine](https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/tizanidine.html) is used as both an antispasmodic and antispastic therapy. The starting dose is 2 mg three or four times a day.\n\n## Other Common Muscle Relaxers\nWhen antispastics and antispasmodics like the ones above don’t help, doctors turn to other medications to provide relief.\n\nSimilar to Baclofen, benzodiazapines such as Valium ([diazepam](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/drugs\/20942-diazepam-tablets#:~:text=Diazepam%20is%20a%20medication%20that,this%20medication%20is%20Valium%C2%AE.)), are GABA receptor agonists but they target GABA-A receptors. They also have sedative and anti-[anxiety](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/anxiety) effects and are highly addictive. According to a [review](https:\/\/www.mayoclinicproceedings.org\/article\/S0025-6196\\(16\\)30509-2\/fulltext) in *Mayo Clinic Proceedings*, older adults (over age 65) should avoid using benzodiazepines, since they have the highest risk of experiencing serious side effects (such as falls and fractures) than any age group. “These medications have effects on cognition, sleep, balance, and safety,” says Dr. Jones. “The main indication for me to ever use a benzodiazepine is in someone who has really severe spasticity that’s acute, painful, and non-responsive to other measures. Then we use it for a very defined amount of time.”\n\nDoctors may also use [botulinum toxin](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/drugs\/monograph\/153465-256\/botox) (such as Botox) to treat muscle spasticity, according to the [American Association of Neurological Surgeons](https:\/\/www.aans.org\/Patients\/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments\/Spasticity). Your doctor will inject it into the muscle to keep it from contracting, but its effect may only last a few months.\n\nNatural Remedies\n\n## Natural Remedies for Muscle Spasms\n\nIf you’re not quite ready for a prescription muscle relaxer, topical treatments may provide some relief, says Dr. Ram. Balms, creams, lotions, or oils containing camphor, menthol, or capsaicin (derived from hot chili peppers) may help ease pain for some people, although the research supporting them for relaxing cramping muscles is minimal.\n\nA [review](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8537440\/) published in *Medicines* found that arnica gel has both anti-inflammatory and pain-fighting benefits and relieved pain as well as ibuprofen in some cases. Note: Both arnica and capsaicin can irritate the skin, and should be applied while wearing gloves.\n\nSometimes spasms can be caused by an electrolyte (calcium, magnesium, potassium) deficiency. In that case, supplementing with a multivitamin or the specific mineral may be helpful, says Dr. Jones. Or it may just be a matter of staying hydrated, since dehydration can trigger electrolyte imbalances. Some people find magnesium supplements can help reduce their muscle cramps (painful spasms), but a large [analysis](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32956536\/) of 11 trials, published in *Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews*, found that it was unlikely to help prevent muscle cramping in older adults. (There wasn’t enough research to make a statement about any other age group.)\n\nFinally, both pickle juice and yellow mustard have purported properties among some endurance athletes when it comes to soothing spasms and easing cramps. Research has shown that pickle juice can help shorten the duration of cramps (by about 35 seconds in one [study](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19997012\/) of men who were underhydrated.) However, the solution did not alter levels of electrolytes. One theory is that both pickle juice and mustard contain acetic acid, which the body uses to produce acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter for muscle contractions. (Less well studied: How to easily digest either of these strong-tasting substances in any meaningful quantity.)\n\nHome Remedies\n\n## Home Remedies to Treat Muscle Spasms\n\nThere are a few other tried-and-true measures you can do to relieve muscle spasms before asking your doctor for an Rx, including the following:\n\n### Heat\n“The best place to start is with heat,” says Dr. Jones. “A really tight, contracted muscle tends to respond better to heat. It improves blood flow and relaxes tissues.” [Heat dilates blood vessels](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/pain-management\/when-use-heat-versus-ice-pain), so more blood flows to the area, which in turn helps to relax the muscles. Apply a heat pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, says Dr. Jones. You can do it a few times a day if necessary.\n\n### Massage\nGentle massage can help relax tension in muscles and work out tender spots, so it’s a good way to treat both spasms and spasticity, says Dr. Jones. The MS Society recommends therapeutic massage as a way to treat spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.\n\n### Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers\nAspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve ([naproxen](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/drugs\/monograph\/153228-919\/naprelan-cr)) may help spasms by fighting [inflammation](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/pain-management\/inflammation) and reducing pain. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage.\n\n### Gentle Stretching\nGentle stretches are critical to help relieve spasm as well as spasticity, says Dr. Jones. “I see a lot of cerebral palsy patients who have spasticity,” she says. “Stretching becomes a part of daily life. It helps make the spasticity less severe and slows down any potential contracture formation.”\n\n### Needling\nAcupuncture and [dry needling](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/low-back-pain\/what-you-need-know-about-dry-needling-low-back-pain) (a technique often used by physical therapists), which both involve inserting fine needles into the muscles, can help relieve pain and tension in tight or spasming muscles. In addition, a review published in *Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine* found that acupuncture and electroacupuncture (where electric stimulation is attached to needles; see below) significantly decreased spasticity in the wrist, knee, and elbow after a stroke. If you want to find an acupuncturist, most states maintain a listing of licensed providers (e.g., search “\\[your state\\] licensed acupuncturist”).\n\n### Electrotherapy\nThis modality uses low-voltage electrical current, delivered via electrodes placed on the skin, to help stimulate muscles that are in spasm or spastic. There are a few different types, and these are generally administered during physical therapy or acupuncture (where the electrodes are attached to needles, which is called electroacupuncture).\n\nTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can help relieve pain from back and other spasms by blocking pain signals to the brain, according to the [Cleveland Clinic](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/15840-transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens). NMES, or neuromuscular electrical stimulation, actually stimulates the muscles to contract in order to improve muscle strength. A [review of research](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4299539\/) published in *Annals of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine* found that NMES and electroacupuncture had the best evidence for benefit in people with spasticity from stroke.\n\n### Laser\n[Low-level laser therapy](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/pain-management\/pain-relief-healing-laser-therapy) (LLLT), a.k.a. cold laser, uses low levels of light to improve pain and blood flow. A small [study](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27299571\/) of stroke patients with spasticity compared LLLT with a placebo and a control. The LLLT group reported reduced pain and increased the time to muscle fatigue.\n\n### Ultrasound\nThis type of [therapy](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/pain-management\/ultrasound-warms-neck-or-back-muscles-active-physical-therapy), which is just high-frequency sound waves, can penetrate deeply and warm and relax muscles**,** which reduces the spasm. In addition, ultrasound is also used to guide other therapies, such as dry needling or injections, to specific areas.\n\n### Trigger Point Injections\nUsing a needle to inject steroids (to fight inflammation) or a pain reliever such as Lidocaine into specific painful areas of a muscle can help provide relief from spasm and “may even cure the spasms completely,” says Dr. Jones.\n\n### Water Therapy\n[Water therapy](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/23137-hydrotherapy) has been used for years to help treat pain and stiffness and to take weight off joints. A [study](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3138085\/) published in *Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine* found that people with MS who did 10 weeks of [Ai Chi](https:\/\/www.ewacmedical.com\/knowledge\/category\/aquatic-therapy-knowledge\/methods\/aichi\/) (a form of the ancient movement practice tai chi, performed in water) reported 50% less pain as well as fewer spasms and less fatigue and [depression](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/depression) than those who did breathing exercises and land-based exercises. But [hydrotherapy](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/pain-management\/get-water-hydrotherapy-pain-movement) can also be as simple as taking a warm bath.\n\nPrevention\n\n## How to Prevent Muscle Spasms\n\nOnce you’ve had muscle spasms, you’ll want to keep them from happening again. The following measures may be helpful.\n\n### Stay Hydrated\nDrinking too little can cause an imbalance of electrolytes, the minerals that help power nerve and muscle function. The most recent [guidelines](https:\/\/nap.nationalacademies.org\/read\/10925\/chapter\/6#81) for daily water intake are almost 20 years old and there’s no one set rule for everyone, but in general, women should aim for about 9 cups a day and men should shoot for 13, unless your doctor tells you otherwise (you’ll down additional water from the vegetables, fruit and other food in your diet).\n\nIdeally, you’d get that hydration from water but you can also get it from other fluids. There’s probably no need to opt for an electrolyte-based drink (such as a sports drink), unless you’re an endurance athlete, according to the [CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthy-weight-growth\/water-healthy-drinks\/index.html).\n\n### Take Breaks\nIf you’re spending hours in one position or doing a single activity, you run the risk of overusing certain muscles and potentially triggering spasms. “Be mindful of musculoskeletal issues that may predispose you to muscle spasms,” says Dr. Jones. If you know your back gets stiff, take breaks when you’re doing yard work or gardening. “Stand up and\/or stretch. Have things set up so you’re doing less reaching outside of your base of support and minimizing the strain on your spine.”\n\n## Bottom Line\nMuscle spasms are common—but that doesn’t make them any less painful. There are treatments available but it may take a trial-and-error approach to find relief. Staying hydrated and watching your posture and activities (keeping in mind any weaknesses you have) can help you avoid them. When that doesn’t help, a combination of home remedies, physical therapy, and muscle relaxers can help turn off the spasming to give your body a chance to recover.\n\nThis article was originally published September 13, 2010 and most recently updated October 5, 2023.\n\n© 2026 HealthCentral LLC. All rights reserved.\n\nSources\n\n**Types of Neuromuscular Disorders:** Cedars Sinai. (n.d.) “Neuromuscular Disorders.” <https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/n\/neuromuscular-disorders.html>\n\n**Treatment of Muscle Spasms:** Northwest Medical Center. (2023.) “Muscle Spasms.” <https:\/\/nw-mc.com\/muscle-spasms\/>\n\n**Muscle Relaxers:** American Family Physician. (2008.) “Choosing a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant.” <https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/pubs\/afp\/issues\/2008\/0801\/p365.html>\n\n**Treatment for Low Back Pain:** *Annals of Internal Medicine*. (2017.) “Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians.” <https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28192789\/>\n\n**Anti-Spastics vs Anti-Spasmodics:** Cleveland Clinic. (2023.) “What do muscle relaxers do?” <https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/24686-muscle-relaxers>\n\n**Types of Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxers:** Drugs.com. (2023.) “Skeletal Muscle Relaxants.” <https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-class\/skeletal-muscle-relaxants.html>\n\n**Spasticity Treatments:** American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (n.d.) “Spasticity.” <https:\/\/www.aans.org\/patients\/conditions-treatments\/spasticity\/>\n\n**More Spasticity Treatments:** *Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine*. (2013.) “A Review of Spasticity Treatments: Pharmacological and Interventional Approaches.” <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4349402\/#>\n\n**Benzos In Older Adults:** Mayo Clinic Proceedings. (2015.) “Benzodiazepine Use in Olders Adults: Dangers, Mangement, and Alternative Therapies.” <https:\/\/www.mayoclinicproceedings.org\/article\/S0025-6196(16)30509-2\/fulltext>\n\n**Spasticity Treatment:** *Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine*. (2019.) “Non-pharmacological interventions for spasticity in adults: An overview of systematic reviews.” <https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29042299\/>\n\n**Dantrolene for Spasticity:** *StatPearls*. (2023.) “Dantrolene.” <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK535398\/>\n\n**Arnica Benefits:** *Medicines*. (2021.) “Clinical Trials, Potential Mechanisms, and Adverse Effects of Arnica as an Adjunct Medication for Pain Management.” <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8537440\/>\n\n**LLLT and Stroke:** *Lasers in Medical Science*. (2016.) Effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT 808 nm) on lower limb spastic muscle activity in chronic stroke patients.” <https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27299571\/>\n\n**Pickle Juice for Spasms:** *Journal of Athletic Training*. (2014.) “Electrolyte and Plasma Responses After Pickle Juice, Mustard, and Deionized Water Ingestion in Dehydrated Humans.” <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4080605\/>\n\n**Neuromuscular Stimulation:** *Physiotherapy Canada*. (2017.) “Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Treatment of Muscle Impairment: Critical Review and Recommendations for Clinical Practice.” <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5683854\/>\n\n**Hydration Guidelines:** National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2005.) “Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate.” <https:\/\/nap.nationalacademies.org\/read\/10925\/chapter\/6>\n\n**Water Therapy Benefits:** Cleveland Clinic. (2022.) “Hydrotherapy.” <https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/23137-hydrotherapy>\n\nCopy Link\n\nShare\n\n- [Share via spu\\_article\\_nid35988\\_page-facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Fback-pain%2Fmuscle-relaxants-back-pain-neck-pain%3Fap%3Dsocs&quote=How%20Muscle%20Relaxers%20Work%20for%20Back%20and%20Neck%20Pain)\n- [Share via spu\\_article\\_nid35988\\_page-pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?description=undefined&media=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Fback-pain%2Fmuscle-relaxants-back-pain-neck-pain%3Fap%3Dsocs)\n- [Share via spu\\_article\\_nid35988\\_page-twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Fback-pain%2Fmuscle-relaxants-back-pain-neck-pain%3Fap%3Dsocs&via=HealthCentral&text=How%20Muscle%20Relaxers%20Work%20for%20Back%20and%20Neck%20Pain&hashtags=HealthCentral&related=healthcentral,health_tips,thebodydotcom,wellsphere)\n- [Share via spu\\_article\\_nid35988\\_page-mail](mailto:?body=I%20saw%20this%20on%20HealthCentral%2C%20and%20thought%20you%20might%20want%20to%20see%20it%2C%20too%3A%0A%0AHow%20Muscle%20Relaxers%20Work%20for%20Back%20and%20Neck%20Pain%20%20%0A%20%20%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Fback-pain%2Fmuscle-relaxants-back-pain-neck-pain%3Fap%3Dsocs%0A%20%20%0AAt%20HealthCentral%2C%20chronic%20meets%20community.%20We%E2%80%99re%20here%20to%20help%20you%20live%20your%20best%20life.%20Visit%20us%20and%20sign%20up%20for%20our%20free%20newsletter%20at%20HealthCentral.com.)\n\nPrint\n\n[Our Review Process](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/medical-review-board)\n\n[Janet Lee:](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/author\/janet-lee)\n\nJanet Lee has been covering health, fitness, and nutrition for 30 years. In addition to writing about and editing health content, she is a doctor of Chinese medicine and a 200-hour certified yoga instructor.\n\n[Elizabeth Carroll, M.D., Neurologist:](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/author\/elizabeth-carroll)\n\nElizabeth Carroll, M.D., is a neurologist in Chicago, IL. She is a graduate of Loyola University School of Medicine. Dr. Carroll completed residency in neurology followed by a fellowship in epilepsy at NYU Langone Hospital, and a fellowship in neurocritical care at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She is board certified both in neurology as well as epilepsy.\n\n![](data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=)\n\n#### More Like This\n[Back Pain Opioids for Severe Back Pain and Neck Pain![Prescription opioid bottles with pills.](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/spu_article_fid42352_asset\/88959fe977548abe575ff36189543aff\/36071-oxycodone70830043_xl123rf.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/opioids-severe-back-pain-neck-pain)\n\n[Back Pain NSAIDs for Neck or Back Pain: Helpful or Harmful to You?![NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/spu_article_fid37726_asset\/8271be0dde6fb9c74bba32c09343a0fe\/45212-nsaid.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/nsaids-neck-or-back-pain-helpful-or-harmful-you)\n\n[Back Pain Oral Steroids and Back Pain![Oral steroid, Medrol dose pack (Sandoz, Novartis), courtesy of https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Methylprednisolone](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/spu_article_fid39016_asset\/3e38aea3d09f90473b6064d4d4db8c07\/48038-medrol_dose_pack_methyprednisone_sandoz_wikipedia.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/oral-steroids-back-pain)\n\n[Back Pain Back Pain and Drug Interactions: What You Need to Know Medically Reviewed![Back Pain and Drug Interactions: What You Need to Know](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/spu_article_fid43091_asset\/3c471428625f69c7f7739927eee2494c\/50987-medications_to_avoid_-_featured.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/back-pain-drug-interactions-what-you-need-to-know)\n\n#### Emails That Keep You Healthy\\!\n[Newsletters](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/newsletter)\n\n#### Follow Us\\!\n- [Share via footer-instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chronicillnessIRL)\n- [Share via footer-facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HealthCentral\/#?v=app_369284823108595)\n- [Share via footer-pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/HealthCentral)\n- [Share via footer-youtube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/HealthCentral)\n\n##### About\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/about)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/contact)\n- [Editorial Policy](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/editorial-policy)\n- [Medical Review Board](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/medical-review-board)\n- [Our Partners](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/partners)\n- [Drops](https:\/\/www.dropsapp.com\/)\n- [Something Original](https:\/\/www.healthcentralcorp.com\/#studio)\n- [Advertise With Us](https:\/\/www.healthcentralcorp.com\/content\/advertise-us)\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/sitemap)\n- [Our Other Sites](https:\/\/www.healthcentralcorp.com\/#brands)\n\n##### Legal and Compliance\n- [Advertising Policy](https:\/\/www.healthcentralcorp.com\/advertising-policy)\n- [Do Not Sell My Info](https:\/\/jupiter.healthcentral.com\/preferences\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.healthcentralcorp.com\/privacy-policy)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.healthcentralcorp.com\/terms-of-use)\n- [Community Guidelines](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/community-guidelines)\n- [AACI-Accredited Trusted Medical Website](https:\/\/aacihealthcare.com\/certificates\/c335-2024-trust-us\/)\n\n© 2026 HealthCentral LLC. All rights reserved. Our website content is for educational purposes only. HealthCentral LLC does not provide personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [Read our Disclaimer](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/disclaimer)\n\nAsk HealthCentral","attrs_readable_markdown":"- [Back Pain](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/category\/back-pain)\n  - [Overview](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain)\n  - [Back Sprain](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-sprains-strains)\n  - [Herniated Disc](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/herniated-disc)\n  - [Lower Back](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/low-back-pain)\n  - [Sciatica](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/sciatica)\n  - [Upper Back](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/upper-back-pain)\n\nMedically Reviewed\n\n## Why Your Lower Back Hurts When You Stand\nDoes your lower back ache after you stand around or when you first stand up after sitting? Here’s what might be causing the problem, and what may help.\n\nBy\n\n![A man stretches at his desk](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/yixw23k2v6vo\/3dUahFIPGVqHd3M8xnS7xb\/ba2f46321f83218df0c388d659008a5b\/large-GettyImages-1396489606-3000x2000.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=492&h=328)\n\nMaybe you’ve been standing in a long line at a busy market, and as you finally inch forward, you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your lower back. Or you stand up after sitting at your desk for hours and there’s a dull ache that you automatically try to massage away in your tight lower-back muscles.\n\nAlthough pain in your lower back while standing is often related to muscle fatigue, there’s a breadth of other possibilities, notes [Justin Mullner, M.D.](https:\/\/www.orlandohealth.com\/physician-finder\/justin-a-mullner-md#\/overview), a sports medicine physician at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute in Orlando, FL.\n\n“Lower back pain is very common, to the point that [most people will experience this at some point in their lives](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/low-back-pain),” he says. In fact, an estimated 75% to 85% of U.S. adults will face some form of back pain during their lifetime, [according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons](https:\/\/www.aans.org\/en\/Patients\/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments\/Low-Back-Pain). And when it comes to triggers, “there may be some position, such as sitting or standing, that can make that pain more noticeable,” adds Dr. Mullner.\n\nHere’s a look at some possible reasons your back may be affected when you stand for a while (or when you first stand up after sitting for some time), along with remedies that may help, and when to see a doctor.\n\n## Common Causes of Lower Back Pain\nThe muscles in your back are connected to nerves, tendons, and other muscles—so it’s not always easy to figure out precisely what may be causing pain, says [Neel Anand](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/provider\/neelakantan-anand-2682899.html), M.D., director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles.\n\nHowever, looking at specific symptoms in addition to noticing general pain can help narrow down the possibilities. Here are some top culprits that might cause back pain while standing:\n\n- [**Ankylosing spondylitis**](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/ankylosing-spondylitis) **(AS).** With AS, a form of arthritis, the back pain improves with movement and worsens when standing still, lying down, or sitting. You can also feel tightness in other areas, including the neck, shoulders, hips, or thighs.\n- [**Herniated disc**](https:\/\/www.aans.org\/Patients\/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments\/Herniated-Disc). When a spinal disc is compressed, you may feel numbness, burning, or tingling, especially on one side of your back; the pain typically feels sharp and sudden.\n- [**Poor posture**](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/multimedia\/back-pain\/sls-20076817)**.** Hunching and slumping may produce a dull ache in your back as well as the shoulders and neck; rounded shoulders; and\/or a feeling of weakness, strain, or muscle tension after standing or sitting.\n- [**Sciatica**](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/for-patients-and-visitors\/patient-information\/conditions-treated-a-to-z\/sciatica). Caused by pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the back of the leg, this condition produces pain in the hips and buttocks as well as the back; difficulty walking on your toes or bending your foot; loss of sensation or numbness; and\/or symptoms that appear on only one side of the body.\n- [**Spinal stenosis**](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/spinal-stenosis)**.** With a narrowing of the spinal canal, you may feel a loss of sensation in the feet; cramping or weakness in the legs; and\/or burning pain in the buttocks and down into the legs.\n- [**Strained muscle**](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/22336-muscle-strains)**.** Bruising, swelling, or weakness in the lower back can accompany a strained back muscle; muscle spasms and tightness in the back are also common.\n\nKeep in mind that back pain may not even be specifically about your back, Dr. Anand adds. For example, you may be experiencing pain due to a condition related to [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/copd), [kidney stones](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/back-pain-or-kidney-pain), gallstones, and [even some types of cancers](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4101555\/). Because of that, it’s especially important to get assessed if your pain is becoming more painful or noticeable, says Dr. Anand.\n\n## Alleviating Lower Back Pain\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), [treatment for non-specific low back pain](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/low-back-pain)—which means pain that doesn’t have a specific diagnosis like ankylosing spondylitis or [herniated disc](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/herniated-disc\/herniated-bulging-discs)—can often be treated with a range of approaches. These can include:\n\n- [Alternating heat and ice](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/article\/hot-and-cold-therapy-for-muscles) on the affected muscles\n- [Gentle movement and stretching](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/herniated-disc\/exercises-stretches-herniated-disc-pain), such as yoga, and low-impact exercise like swimming\n- Occupational therapy that assesses physical work and movement patterns\n- Physical therapy that improves muscle strength in the back and other affected areas such as the hips\n\nThe WHO notes that pain medication should not be the first-line treatment for non-specific lower back pain, since movement and reduction of [inflammation](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/pain-management\/inflammation) with icing and heat tends to work well for most people. That said, if the pain becomes chronic, your doctor may recommend medication or a therapy like corticosteroid shots, which can lower inflammation levels in the back, depending on the cause of your pain.\n\n## Preventing Low Back Pain When Standing\nPrevention efforts for [low back pain](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/low-back-pain) that flares when standing after sitting up or standing in one place for some time will depend largely on what’s driving that problem, says Dr. Mullner. However, there are some strategies that can be helpful for most low back issues. These include:\n\n- Changing your position more often during the day, such as standing up for a few minutes every hour or so if you are seated or moving around if you are standing in one spot\n- Doing gentle stretches during work breaks, so your muscles aren’t in one set position for too long\n- Evaluating your mattress and sleep setup: Sometimes, an improper sleeping position can trigger back pain during the day.\n- Reconfiguring your work setup so it’s more ergonomic: For example, if you sit, evaluate whether your chair is positioned correctly in front of your desk or computer to prevent muscle fatigue; if you stand, make sure you aren’t bending or straining the muscles.\n\nIt can also help to adopt healthy habits that don’t seem related to lower back muscles but still play a part, says Dr. Mullner. For example, [research suggests](https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-021-94001-1) there’s a significant association between chronic low back pain and emotional stress, so taking steps to reduce stress (like doing yoga, going for a walk, or doing meditation) could help [prevent back pain](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/back-pain\/upper-back-pain\/how-prevent-upper-back-pain) or keep pain from worsening.\n\n## When to See a Doctor\nIf you’ve tried home remedies and the back pain isn’t going away—and especially if it’s getting worse—that’s usually an indication to see a doctor, says Dr. Anand.\n\n“Even though back pain is very common, and may start going away on its own after a couple days, there are some signs that you should see a doctor for this issue, particularly if the pain is beginning to affect your mobility and quality of life,” he adds. Consider making an appointment if you have any of these happening:\n\n- Back pain that lasts longer than a few days, becomes more acute whenever you stand, or is particularly sharp\n- If you have a history of back problems, [osteoporosis](https:\/\/www.healthcentral.com\/condition\/osteoporosis), respiratory condition, or any other chronic illness\n- Pain accompanied by other issues like fever, shortness of breath, unexpected weight loss, stiffness or weakness in the legs, or loss of control over your bowels or bladder\n- Pain that affects other parts of the body, such as hips, buttocks, and legs\n- Pain that interferes with everyday tasks or makes it difficult to move normally: for example, if you need to move in awkward or different ways to avoid sharp pain after standing\n- Pain that starts after a recent accident\n\nIn general, low back pain that’s tied to muscle fatigue or poor posture should start to resolve within a few days with gentle movement, heat, icing, and strategic rest periods, says Dr. Anand. But if you’re starting to be concerned and the pain is sharp, it’s best to get checked so you can start a more tailored treatment based on what may be causing the issue.\n\n![](data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Back Pain Overview Back Sprain Herniated Disc Lower Back Sciatica Upper Back Medically Reviewed Why Your Lower Back Hurts When You Stand Does your lower back ache after you stand around or when you first stand up after sitting? Here’s what might be causing the problem, and what may help. By Maybe you’ve been standing in a long line at a busy market, and as you finally inch forward, you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your lower back. Or you stand up after sitting at your desk for hours and there’s a dull ache that you automatically try to massage away in your tight lower-back muscles. Although pain in your lower back while standing is often related to muscle fatigue, there’s a breadth of other possibilities, notes Justin Mullner, M.D. , a sports medicine physician at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute in Orlando, FL. “Lower back pain is very common, to the point that most people will experience this at some point in their lives ,” he says. In fact, an estimated 75% to 85% of U.S. adults will face some form of back pain during their lifetime, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons . And when it comes to triggers, “there may be some position, such as sitting or standing, that can make that pain more noticeable,” adds Dr. Mullner. Here’s a look at some possible reasons your back may be affected when you stand for a while (or when you first stand up after sitting for some time), along with remedies that may help, and when to see a doctor. Common Causes of Lower Back Pain The muscles in your back are connected to nerves, tendons, and other muscles—so it’s not always easy to figure out precisely what may be causing pain, says Neel Anand , M.D., director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles. However, looking at specific symptoms in addition to noticing general pain can help narrow down the possibilities. Here are some top culprits that might cause back pain while standing: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS). With AS, a form of arthritis, the back pain improves with movement and worsens when standing still, lying down, or sitting. You can also feel tightness in other areas, including the neck, shoulders, hips, or thighs. Herniated disc . When a spinal disc is compressed, you may feel numbness, burning, or tingling, especially on one side of your back; the pain typically feels sharp and sudden. Poor posture . Hunching and slumping may produce a dull ache in your back as well as the shoulders and neck; rounded shoulders; and/or a feeling of weakness, strain, or muscle tension after standing or sitting. Sciatica . Caused by pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the back of the leg, this condition produces pain in the hips and buttocks as well as the back; difficulty walking on your toes or bending your foot; loss of sensation or numbness; and/or symptoms that appear on only one side of the body. Spinal stenosis . With a narrowing of the spinal canal, you may feel a loss of sensation in the feet; cramping or weakness in the legs; and/or burning pain in the buttocks and down into the legs. Strained muscle . Bruising, swelling, or weakness in the lower back can accompany a strained back muscle; muscle spasms and tightness in the back are also common. Keep in mind that back pain may not even be specifically about your back, Dr. Anand adds. For example, you may be experiencing pain due to a condition related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , kidney stones , gallstones, and even some types of cancers . Because of that, it’s especially important to get assessed if your pain is becoming more painful or noticeable, says Dr. Anand. Alleviating Lower Back Pain According to the World Health Organization (WHO), treatment for non-specific low back pain —which means pain that doesn’t have a specific diagnosis like ankylosing spondylitis or herniated disc —can often be treated with a range of approaches. These can include: Alternating heat and ice on the affected muscles Gentle movement and stretching , such as yoga, and low-impact exercise like swimming Occupational therapy that assesses physical work and movement patterns Physical therapy that improves muscle strength in the back and other affected areas such as the hips The WHO notes that pain medication should not be the first-line treatment for non-specific lower back pain, since movement and reduction of inflammation with icing and heat tends to work well for most people. That said, if the pain becomes chronic, your doctor may recommend medication or a therapy like corticosteroid shots, which can lower inflammation levels in the back, depending on the cause of your pain. Preventing Low Back Pain When Standing Prevention efforts for low back pain that flares when standing after sitting up or standing in one place for some time will depend largely on what’s driving that problem, says Dr. Mullner. However, there are some strategies that can be helpful for most low back issues. These include: Changing your position more often during the day, such as standing up for a few minutes every hour or so if you are seated or moving around if you are standing in one spot Doing gentle stretches during work breaks, so your muscles aren’t in one set position for too long Evaluating your mattress and sleep setup: Sometimes, an improper sleeping position can trigger back pain during the day. Reconfiguring your work setup so it’s more ergonomic: For example, if you sit, evaluate whether your chair is positioned correctly in front of your desk or computer to prevent muscle fatigue; if you stand, make sure you aren’t bending or straining the muscles. It can also help to adopt healthy habits that don’t seem related to lower back muscles but still play a part, says Dr. Mullner. For example, research suggests there’s a significant association between chronic low back pain and emotional stress, so taking steps to reduce stress (like doing yoga, going for a walk, or doing meditation) could help prevent back pain or keep pain from worsening. When to See a Doctor If you’ve tried home remedies and the back pain isn’t going away—and especially if it’s getting worse—that’s usually an indication to see a doctor, says Dr. Anand. “Even though back pain is very common, and may start going away on its own after a couple days, there are some signs that you should see a doctor for this issue, particularly if the pain is beginning to affect your mobility and quality of life,” he adds. Consider making an appointment if you have any of these happening: Back pain that lasts longer than a few days, becomes more acute whenever you stand, or is particularly sharp If you have a history of back problems, osteoporosis , respiratory condition, or any other chronic illness Pain accompanied by other issues like fever, shortness of breath, unexpected weight loss, stiffness or weakness in the legs, or loss of control over your bowels or bladder Pain that affects other parts of the body, such as hips, buttocks, and legs Pain that interferes with everyday tasks or makes it difficult to move normally: for example, if you need to move in awkward or different ways to avoid sharp pain after standing Pain that starts after a recent accident In general, low back pain that’s tied to muscle fatigue or poor posture should start to resolve within a few days with gentle movement, heat, icing, and strategic rest periods, says Dr. Anand. But if you’re starting to be concerned and the pain is sharp, it’s best to get checked so you can start a more tailored treatment based on what may be causing the issue.
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[Sciatica](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/sciatica) - [Upper Back](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/upper-back-pain) Medically Reviewed # Why Your Lower Back Hurts When You Stand Does your lower back ache after you stand around or when you first stand up after sitting? Here’s what might be causing the problem, and what may help. Updated Oct 11, 2023 By [Elizabeth Millard](https://www.healthcentral.com/author/elizabeth-millard) Medical Reviewer[Michael Briseño, M.D.](https://www.healthcentral.com/author/michael-briseno) ![A man stretches at his desk](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/3dUahFIPGVqHd3M8xnS7xb/ba2f46321f83218df0c388d659008a5b/large-GettyImages-1396489606-3000x2000.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=492&h=328) [Getty Images/martin-dm](https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/man-working-at-standing-desk-royalty-free-image/1396489606) Maybe you’ve been standing in a long line at a busy market, and as you finally inch forward, you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your lower back. Or you stand up after sitting at your desk for hours and there’s a dull ache that you automatically try to massage away in your tight lower-back muscles. Although pain in your lower back while standing is often related to muscle fatigue, there’s a breadth of other possibilities, notes [Justin Mullner, M.D.](https://www.orlandohealth.com/physician-finder/justin-a-mullner-md#/overview), a sports medicine physician at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute in Orlando, FL. “Lower back pain is very common, to the point that [most people will experience this at some point in their lives](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain),” he says. In fact, an estimated 75% to 85% of U.S. adults will face some form of back pain during their lifetime, [according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons](https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Pain). And when it comes to triggers, “there may be some position, such as sitting or standing, that can make that pain more noticeable,” adds Dr. Mullner. Here’s a look at some possible reasons your back may be affected when you stand for a while (or when you first stand up after sitting for some time), along with remedies that may help, and when to see a doctor. ## Common Causes of Lower Back Pain The muscles in your back are connected to nerves, tendons, and other muscles—so it’s not always easy to figure out precisely what may be causing pain, says [Neel Anand](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/provider/neelakantan-anand-2682899.html), M.D., director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles. However, looking at specific symptoms in addition to noticing general pain can help narrow down the possibilities. Here are some top culprits that might cause back pain while standing: - [Ankylosing spondylitis](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/ankylosing-spondylitis) (AS). With AS, a form of arthritis, the back pain improves with movement and worsens when standing still, lying down, or sitting. You can also feel tightness in other areas, including the neck, shoulders, hips, or thighs. - [Herniated disc](https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Herniated-Disc). When a spinal disc is compressed, you may feel numbness, burning, or tingling, especially on one side of your back; the pain typically feels sharp and sudden. - [Poor posture](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076817). Hunching and slumping may produce a dull ache in your back as well as the shoulders and neck; rounded shoulders; and/or a feeling of weakness, strain, or muscle tension after standing or sitting. - [Sciatica](https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/sciatica). Caused by pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the back of the leg, this condition produces pain in the hips and buttocks as well as the back; difficulty walking on your toes or bending your foot; loss of sensation or numbness; and/or symptoms that appear on only one side of the body. - [Spinal stenosis](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/spinal-stenosis). With a narrowing of the spinal canal, you may feel a loss of sensation in the feet; cramping or weakness in the legs; and/or burning pain in the buttocks and down into the legs. - [Strained muscle](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22336-muscle-strains). Bruising, swelling, or weakness in the lower back can accompany a strained back muscle; muscle spasms and tightness in the back are also common. Keep in mind that back pain may not even be specifically about your back, Dr. Anand adds. For example, you may be experiencing pain due to a condition related to [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/copd), [kidney stones](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/back-pain-or-kidney-pain), gallstones, and [even some types of cancers](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4101555/). Because of that, it’s especially important to get assessed if your pain is becoming more painful or noticeable, says Dr. Anand. #### Sign up for our bi-monthly Chronic Pain Newsletter. Your [privacy](https://www.healthcentralcorp.com/privacy-policy%20) is important to us. ![Woman with a headache](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/7CxMx28nmCcb06ih0HmN08/cf4b8b60c7fea1ea0aca463211b4d9b5/Chronic-Pain-GettyImages-1276385699-3000x2000.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=180&h=120) ## Alleviating Lower Back Pain According to the World Health Organization (WHO), [treatment for non-specific low back pain](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain)—which means pain that doesn’t have a specific diagnosis like ankylosing spondylitis or [herniated disc](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/herniated-disc/herniated-bulging-discs)—can often be treated with a range of approaches. These can include: - [Alternating heat and ice](https://www.healthcentral.com/article/hot-and-cold-therapy-for-muscles) on the affected muscles - [Gentle movement and stretching](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/herniated-disc/exercises-stretches-herniated-disc-pain), such as yoga, and low-impact exercise like swimming - Occupational therapy that assesses physical work and movement patterns - Physical therapy that improves muscle strength in the back and other affected areas such as the hips The WHO notes that pain medication should not be the first-line treatment for non-specific lower back pain, since movement and reduction of [inflammation](https://www.healthcentral.com/pain-management/inflammation) with icing and heat tends to work well for most people. That said, if the pain becomes chronic, your doctor may recommend medication or a therapy like corticosteroid shots, which can lower inflammation levels in the back, depending on the cause of your pain. ## Preventing Low Back Pain When Standing Prevention efforts for [low back pain](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/low-back-pain) that flares when standing after sitting up or standing in one place for some time will depend largely on what’s driving that problem, says Dr. Mullner. However, there are some strategies that can be helpful for most low back issues. These include: - Changing your position more often during the day, such as standing up for a few minutes every hour or so if you are seated or moving around if you are standing in one spot - Doing gentle stretches during work breaks, so your muscles aren’t in one set position for too long - Evaluating your mattress and sleep setup: Sometimes, an improper sleeping position can trigger back pain during the day. - Reconfiguring your work setup so it’s more ergonomic: For example, if you sit, evaluate whether your chair is positioned correctly in front of your desk or computer to prevent muscle fatigue; if you stand, make sure you aren’t bending or straining the muscles. It can also help to adopt healthy habits that don’t seem related to lower back muscles but still play a part, says Dr. Mullner. For example, [research suggests](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94001-1) there’s a significant association between chronic low back pain and emotional stress, so taking steps to reduce stress (like doing yoga, going for a walk, or doing meditation) could help [prevent back pain](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/upper-back-pain/how-prevent-upper-back-pain) or keep pain from worsening. ## When to See a Doctor If you’ve tried home remedies and the back pain isn’t going away—and especially if it’s getting worse—that’s usually an indication to see a doctor, says Dr. Anand. “Even though back pain is very common, and may start going away on its own after a couple days, there are some signs that you should see a doctor for this issue, particularly if the pain is beginning to affect your mobility and quality of life,” he adds. Consider making an appointment if you have any of these happening: - Back pain that lasts longer than a few days, becomes more acute whenever you stand, or is particularly sharp - If you have a history of back problems, [osteoporosis](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/osteoporosis), respiratory condition, or any other chronic illness - Pain accompanied by other issues like fever, shortness of breath, unexpected weight loss, stiffness or weakness in the legs, or loss of control over your bowels or bladder - Pain that affects other parts of the body, such as hips, buttocks, and legs - Pain that interferes with everyday tasks or makes it difficult to move normally: for example, if you need to move in awkward or different ways to avoid sharp pain after standing - Pain that starts after a recent accident In general, low back pain that’s tied to muscle fatigue or poor posture should start to resolve within a few days with gentle movement, heat, icing, and strategic rest periods, says Dr. Anand. But if you’re starting to be concerned and the pain is sharp, it’s best to get checked so you can start a more tailored treatment based on what may be causing the issue. This article was originally published August 31, 2023 and most recently updated October 11, 2023. © 2026 HealthCentral LLC. All rights reserved. Sources Prevalence/Treatment (1): World Health Organization. (2023.) “Low back pain.” https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain Prevalence/Treatment (2): American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (n.d.) “Low Back Pain.” https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Pain Herniated Disc Symptoms/Treatment: American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2023.) “Herniated Disc - Symptoms, Causes, Prevention.” https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Herniated-Disc Poor Posture: Mayo Clinic. (2023.) “Good posture tips.” <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076817> Spinal Stenosis: Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023.) “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.” <https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lumbar-spinal-stenosis> Sciatica Symptoms: Penn Medicine. (2023.) “Sciatica: Symptoms and Causes.” <https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/sciatica> Muscle Strain: Cleveland Clinic (2021.) “Muscle Strains.” <https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22336-muscle-strains> Cancer: Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. (2014.) “Metastatic cancer mimicking mechanical low back pain.” <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4101555/> Stress: Scientific Reports. (2020.) “Association between chronic low back pain and degree of stress: a nationwide cross-sectional study.” <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94001-1> Copy Link Share - [Share via 2kzR4gzX2wJ9G70OONFSkX-facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Flow-back-pain%2Flower-back-pain-when-standing%3Fap%3Dsocs&quote=Why%20Your%20Lower%20Back%20Hurts%20When%20You%20Stand) - [Share via 2kzR4gzX2wJ9G70OONFSkX-pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?description=undefined&media=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Flow-back-pain%2Flower-back-pain-when-standing%3Fap%3Dsocs) - [Share via 2kzR4gzX2wJ9G70OONFSkX-twitter](https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Flow-back-pain%2Flower-back-pain-when-standing%3Fap%3Dsocs&via=HealthCentral&text=Why%20Your%20Lower%20Back%20Hurts%20When%20You%20Stand&hashtags=HealthCentral&related=healthcentral,health_tips,thebodydotcom,wellsphere) - [Share via 2kzR4gzX2wJ9G70OONFSkX-mail](mailto:?body=I%20saw%20this%20on%20HealthCentral%2C%20and%20thought%20you%20might%20want%20to%20see%20it%2C%20too%3A%0A%0AWhy%20Your%20Lower%20Back%20Hurts%20When%20You%20Stand%20%20%0A%20%20%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcentral.com%2Fcondition%2Flow-back-pain%2Flower-back-pain-when-standing%3Fap%3Dsocs%0A%20%20%0AAt%20HealthCentral%2C%20chronic%20meets%20community.%20We%E2%80%99re%20here%20to%20help%20you%20live%20your%20best%20life.%20Visit%20us%20and%20sign%20up%20for%20our%20free%20newsletter%20at%20HealthCentral.com.) Print [Our Review Process](https://www.healthcentral.com/medical-review-board) [Elizabeth Millard, Health Writer:](https://www.healthcentral.com/author/elizabeth-millard) Elizabeth Millard is a journalist specializing in health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition. Her articles have appeared in SELF, Men’s Health, CNN, MyFitnessPal, and WebMD, and she has worked on patient education materials for Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group. [Michael Briseño, M.D., Orthopedic Spine Surgeon:](https://www.healthcentral.com/author/michael-briseno) Michael Briseño, M.D., is an orthopedic spine surgeon at North Texas Orthopedics & Spine Center. ![](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=) #### More Like This [Back Pain When Your Back Hurts for No Reason Medically Reviewed![woman with nonspecific low back pain explaining to doctor about idiopathic back pain](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/1ovfJLSKdI8N2ZP8zCl8yR/144248b9b2bbb539afb93f048f4487b9/nonspecific_low_back_pain_featured_iStock-1342134440.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/nonspecific-low-back-pain) [Low Back Pain Does Drinking Alcohol Lead to Lower Back Pain? Medically Reviewed![Female doctor holding bottle and glass of wine](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/spu_article_fid40294_asset/a7079be13ef365b4620d6080edd69244/42506-doctor_with_wine.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/low-back-pain/does-drinking-alcohol-lead-lower-back-pain) [Back Pain The Back-Safe Guide to Kettlebells Medically Reviewed![The Back-safe Guide to Kettlebells](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/spu_article_fid44031_asset/39c60a2d30c08c4ee147e400013cf9b8/51828-kettlebells_back_pain_featured.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/back-safe-guide-kettlebells) [Low Back Pain Why Does My Back Always Hurt? Medically Reviewed![Physical Exam](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/spu_article_fid31879_asset/0f55c15bb1da0393e76360e3334b110b/4206-chiroexam14712497_m.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/low-back-pain/why-does-my-back-always-hurt) Medically Reviewed # How Muscle Relaxers Work for Back and Neck Pain These medications tackle spasms primarily by sedating the central nervous system. Are they right for you? Updated Oct 5, 2023 By [Janet Lee](https://www.healthcentral.com/author/janet-lee) Medical Reviewer[Elizabeth Carroll, M.D.](https://www.healthcentral.com/author/elizabeth-carroll) ![A man touches his neck in pain](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/6lauFu6zQNXiMAlWF7RiAe/4f327f5e34c968b101121aa20dadf7a1/large-GettyImages-1663989842-3000x2000.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=492&h=328) [Getty Images/Fabio Camandona](https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/exhausted-young-caucasian-male-worker-sit-at-desk-royalty-free-image/1663989842) ###### Jump To - [Antispasmotics](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/low-back-pain/lower-back-pain-when-standing#antispasmotics) - [Muscle Spasticity](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/low-back-pain/lower-back-pain-when-standing#muscle-spasticity) - [Natural Remedies](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/low-back-pain/lower-back-pain-when-standing#natural-remedies) - [Home Remedies](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/low-back-pain/lower-back-pain-when-standing#home-remedies) - [Prevention](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/low-back-pain/lower-back-pain-when-standing#prevention) A weekend spent gardening. A raucous game of pickleball. Bending over to pick up a dropped pen. Suddenly your neck or [back seizes up](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain) and it’s hard to catch your breath. Muscle spasms, where the muscle involuntarily contracts—and stays that way—for a few seconds, minutes, or longer, are painful and impossible to predict. “They can occur at night (called nocturnal spasms), after exercise, or around an injured area,” says [Bhuvaneswari Sandeep Ram](https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/faculty/bhuvaneswari-sandeep-ram-md), M.B.B.S. (an international equivalent of M.D.), an assistant professor of anesthesia and critical care at The University of Chicago Medicine in Chicago, IL. Muscles may also spasm due to dehydration or because of a [neurological disorder](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/n/neuromuscular-disorders.html). “Spasms can happen anywhere in the body, depending on the cause,” says [Dara Jones](https://www.hss.edu/physicians_jones-dara.asp), M.D., a pediatric physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. “The most common places that we see them from daily activities are in the lower back, neck, and shoulders.” Although non-prescription solutions can sometimes help alleviate the pain and discomfort of muscle spasms, other times you may need something stronger. That’s where muscle relaxers, which work by stopping spasms at the source, can help. Follow these guidelines for treating muscle spasms and related disorders through both medications, physical therapy, and other modalities, and check out the home remedies designed to provide relief. Antispasmotics ## How Do Antispasmodics Work? Skeletal muscles get their cues to contract or relax from the brain (in the central nervous system), which sends messages to the muscles via signals from the peripheral nervous system. So when a muscle is spasming (or contracting without your wanting it to), it makes sense to act on the source of that signal. Medications called centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxers work by sedating or depressing the central nervous system, which interrupts signaling between the brain and muscles, according to Dr. Jones—it’s kind of like shutting off the electricity at the fuse box. If you have a back or [neck spasm](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/neck-pain) that just won’t relent, and you’re unable to move around, sleep, or function, your doctor may prescribe one of these medications below, says Dr. Jones. All of these come with side effects—some more serious than others—and should only be taken for a limited time, often no more than a few weeks, according to experts at [Penn Medicine](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2020/june/long-term-use-of-muscle-relaxants-has-skyrocketed-since-2005). (Always tell your doctor about other medications and supplements you’re taking as well.) ### Soma (Carisoprodol) A sedative, [carisoprodol](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553077/#:~:text=Indications-,Carisoprodol%20is%20an%20FDA-approved%20drug%20indicated%20for%20the%20relief,three%20weeks%20of%20use%20only.)‘s standard dose is 250 to 350 mg taken three times a day and at bedtime. It can be habit forming and should only be used for two to three weeks. ### Flexeril, Amrix (Cyclobenzaprine) [Cyclobenzaprine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513362/#:~:text=Cyclobenzaprine%20is%20a%20centrally%20acting,depressant%20that%20reduces%20muscle%20hyperactivity.), one of the most commonly prescribed muscle relaxants, is a cyclical antidepressant that reduces muscle hyperactivity. It’s sometimes used off-label for [fibromyalgia](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/signs-symptoms-fibromyalgia), a condition that causes widespread pain in the muscles. The usual dose is 5 to 10 mg three times a day. #### Sign up for our bi-monthly Chronic Pain Newsletter. Your [privacy](https://www.healthcentralcorp.com/privacy-policy%20) is important to us. ![Woman with a headache](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/7CxMx28nmCcb06ih0HmN08/cf4b8b60c7fea1ea0aca463211b4d9b5/Chronic-Pain-GettyImages-1276385699-3000x2000.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=180&h=120) ### Skelaxin (Metaxalone) This med is usually given in doses of 800 mg three to four times a day. Like other muscle relaxants, [metaxalone](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/metaxalone.html) has a sedating effect. ### Robaxin (Methocarbamol) The standard dose for [methocarbamol](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565868/#:~:text=Methocarbamol%20is%20a%20centrally-acting,for%20muscle%20spasms%20since%201957.), another sedative, is 1,500 mg a day, split into three 500 mg tablets or two 750 mg tablets. ### Norflex (Orphenadrine) [Orphenadrine](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6e89e43d-a3fc-481e-8aed-d6955fa2a14b&type=display) is both a muscle relaxant and an anticholinergic, a drug that blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which can cause muscles to become overly excited or paralyzed if there’s too much of it. Because of its anticholinergic properties, orphenadrine is often used to control tremors caused by [Parkinson’s disease](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/parkinsons-disease). A typical dose is 100 mg twice a day. Muscle Spasticity ## Muscle Spasticity and Medications Muscle spasticity may look a little like muscle spasms, but the two differ on many levels. While spasms are usually relatively brief and temporary, depending on the cause, spasticity can be chronic, explains Dr. Jones. “It’s a disorder of muscle tone, which implies there’s increased tension in the muscle at rest.” When you try to stretch the muscle, there’s resistance, especially if you try to do it quickly. Over time, it can lead to contracture, which is when the muscles, joints, or supporting structures become restricted and stuck in one position. Spasticity is often chronic. It’s common in people who have suffered a [stroke](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/stroke) or spinal cord injury or who have [multiple sclerosis](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/multiple-sclerosis), an autoimmune condition that attacks the fatty, insulating myelin sheaths that encase part of your nerve cells. “Spasticity is always abnormal and points to a neurologic condition that needs to be investigated,” says Dr. Jones. Unlike spasms, muscle spasticity can only really be treated with medications called antispastics. These work primarily on the central nervous system, but some, such as dantrolene (see below) can work directly on the muscle, says Dr. Jones. Your doctor will closely monitor your treatment to make sure medications like the ones below—which can be taken for months—aren’t damaging your liver or kidneys or causing dangerous side effects. ### Lioresal, OZOBAX (Baclofen) A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist, specifically a GABA B agonist, [baclofen](https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00181) helps reduce excitability in the muscles by prolonging how long GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter (meaning it inhibits the muscle tension), remains available. Baclofen comes in different forms and can even be delivered via an implanted [pump in the abdomen](https://www.neuromodulationjournal.org/article/S1094-7159\(21\)00205-1/fulltext). The typical tablet dose is 5 mg three times a day, which your doctor may gradually step up to no more than 80 mg per day. ### Dantrium (Dantrolene) Unlike medications that work on the central nervous system, [dantrolene](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/dantrolene.html) targets the muscles directly to get them to relax. The typical dose is no more than 100 mg four times a day. ### Zaniflex (Tizanidine) This relaxant blocks pain signaling between the muscle and brain, which helps relax the muscles. [Tizanidine](https://www.drugs.com/tizanidine.html) is used as both an antispasmodic and antispastic therapy. The starting dose is 2 mg three or four times a day. ## Other Common Muscle Relaxers When antispastics and antispasmodics like the ones above don’t help, doctors turn to other medications to provide relief. Similar to Baclofen, benzodiazapines such as Valium ([diazepam](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20942-diazepam-tablets#:~:text=Diazepam%20is%20a%20medication%20that,this%20medication%20is%20Valium%C2%AE.)), are GABA receptor agonists but they target GABA-A receptors. They also have sedative and anti-[anxiety](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/anxiety) effects and are highly addictive. According to a [review](https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196\(16\)30509-2/fulltext) in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, older adults (over age 65) should avoid using benzodiazepines, since they have the highest risk of experiencing serious side effects (such as falls and fractures) than any age group. “These medications have effects on cognition, sleep, balance, and safety,” says Dr. Jones. “The main indication for me to ever use a benzodiazepine is in someone who has really severe spasticity that’s acute, painful, and non-responsive to other measures. Then we use it for a very defined amount of time.” Doctors may also use [botulinum toxin](https://www.healthcentral.com/drugs/monograph/153465-256/botox) (such as Botox) to treat muscle spasticity, according to the [American Association of Neurological Surgeons](https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Spasticity). Your doctor will inject it into the muscle to keep it from contracting, but its effect may only last a few months. Natural Remedies ## Natural Remedies for Muscle Spasms If you’re not quite ready for a prescription muscle relaxer, topical treatments may provide some relief, says Dr. Ram. Balms, creams, lotions, or oils containing camphor, menthol, or capsaicin (derived from hot chili peppers) may help ease pain for some people, although the research supporting them for relaxing cramping muscles is minimal. A [review](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8537440/) published in Medicines found that arnica gel has both anti-inflammatory and pain-fighting benefits and relieved pain as well as ibuprofen in some cases. Note: Both arnica and capsaicin can irritate the skin, and should be applied while wearing gloves. Sometimes spasms can be caused by an electrolyte (calcium, magnesium, potassium) deficiency. In that case, supplementing with a multivitamin or the specific mineral may be helpful, says Dr. Jones. Or it may just be a matter of staying hydrated, since dehydration can trigger electrolyte imbalances. Some people find magnesium supplements can help reduce their muscle cramps (painful spasms), but a large [analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32956536/) of 11 trials, published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, found that it was unlikely to help prevent muscle cramping in older adults. (There wasn’t enough research to make a statement about any other age group.) Finally, both pickle juice and yellow mustard have purported properties among some endurance athletes when it comes to soothing spasms and easing cramps. Research has shown that pickle juice can help shorten the duration of cramps (by about 35 seconds in one [study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19997012/) of men who were underhydrated.) However, the solution did not alter levels of electrolytes. One theory is that both pickle juice and mustard contain acetic acid, which the body uses to produce acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter for muscle contractions. (Less well studied: How to easily digest either of these strong-tasting substances in any meaningful quantity.) Home Remedies ## Home Remedies to Treat Muscle Spasms There are a few other tried-and-true measures you can do to relieve muscle spasms before asking your doctor for an Rx, including the following: ### Heat “The best place to start is with heat,” says Dr. Jones. “A really tight, contracted muscle tends to respond better to heat. It improves blood flow and relaxes tissues.” [Heat dilates blood vessels](https://www.healthcentral.com/pain-management/when-use-heat-versus-ice-pain), so more blood flows to the area, which in turn helps to relax the muscles. Apply a heat pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, says Dr. Jones. You can do it a few times a day if necessary. ### Massage Gentle massage can help relax tension in muscles and work out tender spots, so it’s a good way to treat both spasms and spasticity, says Dr. Jones. The MS Society recommends therapeutic massage as a way to treat spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. ### Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve ([naproxen](https://www.healthcentral.com/drugs/monograph/153228-919/naprelan-cr)) may help spasms by fighting [inflammation](https://www.healthcentral.com/pain-management/inflammation) and reducing pain. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage. ### Gentle Stretching Gentle stretches are critical to help relieve spasm as well as spasticity, says Dr. Jones. “I see a lot of cerebral palsy patients who have spasticity,” she says. “Stretching becomes a part of daily life. It helps make the spasticity less severe and slows down any potential contracture formation.” ### Needling Acupuncture and [dry needling](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/low-back-pain/what-you-need-know-about-dry-needling-low-back-pain) (a technique often used by physical therapists), which both involve inserting fine needles into the muscles, can help relieve pain and tension in tight or spasming muscles. In addition, a review published in Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that acupuncture and electroacupuncture (where electric stimulation is attached to needles; see below) significantly decreased spasticity in the wrist, knee, and elbow after a stroke. If you want to find an acupuncturist, most states maintain a listing of licensed providers (e.g., search “\[your state\] licensed acupuncturist”). ### Electrotherapy This modality uses low-voltage electrical current, delivered via electrodes placed on the skin, to help stimulate muscles that are in spasm or spastic. There are a few different types, and these are generally administered during physical therapy or acupuncture (where the electrodes are attached to needles, which is called electroacupuncture). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can help relieve pain from back and other spasms by blocking pain signals to the brain, according to the [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15840-transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens). NMES, or neuromuscular electrical stimulation, actually stimulates the muscles to contract in order to improve muscle strength. A [review of research](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4299539/) published in Annals of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine found that NMES and electroacupuncture had the best evidence for benefit in people with spasticity from stroke. ### Laser [Low-level laser therapy](https://www.healthcentral.com/pain-management/pain-relief-healing-laser-therapy) (LLLT), a.k.a. cold laser, uses low levels of light to improve pain and blood flow. A small [study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27299571/) of stroke patients with spasticity compared LLLT with a placebo and a control. The LLLT group reported reduced pain and increased the time to muscle fatigue. ### Ultrasound This type of [therapy](https://www.healthcentral.com/pain-management/ultrasound-warms-neck-or-back-muscles-active-physical-therapy), which is just high-frequency sound waves, can penetrate deeply and warm and relax muscles, which reduces the spasm. In addition, ultrasound is also used to guide other therapies, such as dry needling or injections, to specific areas. ### Trigger Point Injections Using a needle to inject steroids (to fight inflammation) or a pain reliever such as Lidocaine into specific painful areas of a muscle can help provide relief from spasm and “may even cure the spasms completely,” says Dr. Jones. ### Water Therapy [Water therapy](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23137-hydrotherapy) has been used for years to help treat pain and stiffness and to take weight off joints. A [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3138085/) published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that people with MS who did 10 weeks of [Ai Chi](https://www.ewacmedical.com/knowledge/category/aquatic-therapy-knowledge/methods/aichi/) (a form of the ancient movement practice tai chi, performed in water) reported 50% less pain as well as fewer spasms and less fatigue and [depression](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/depression) than those who did breathing exercises and land-based exercises. But [hydrotherapy](https://www.healthcentral.com/pain-management/get-water-hydrotherapy-pain-movement) can also be as simple as taking a warm bath. Prevention ## How to Prevent Muscle Spasms Once you’ve had muscle spasms, you’ll want to keep them from happening again. The following measures may be helpful. ### Stay Hydrated Drinking too little can cause an imbalance of electrolytes, the minerals that help power nerve and muscle function. The most recent [guidelines](https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10925/chapter/6#81) for daily water intake are almost 20 years old and there’s no one set rule for everyone, but in general, women should aim for about 9 cups a day and men should shoot for 13, unless your doctor tells you otherwise (you’ll down additional water from the vegetables, fruit and other food in your diet). Ideally, you’d get that hydration from water but you can also get it from other fluids. There’s probably no need to opt for an electrolyte-based drink (such as a sports drink), unless you’re an endurance athlete, according to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/water-healthy-drinks/index.html). ### Take Breaks If you’re spending hours in one position or doing a single activity, you run the risk of overusing certain muscles and potentially triggering spasms. “Be mindful of musculoskeletal issues that may predispose you to muscle spasms,” says Dr. Jones. If you know your back gets stiff, take breaks when you’re doing yard work or gardening. “Stand up and/or stretch. Have things set up so you’re doing less reaching outside of your base of support and minimizing the strain on your spine.” ## Bottom Line Muscle spasms are common—but that doesn’t make them any less painful. There are treatments available but it may take a trial-and-error approach to find relief. Staying hydrated and watching your posture and activities (keeping in mind any weaknesses you have) can help you avoid them. When that doesn’t help, a combination of home remedies, physical therapy, and muscle relaxers can help turn off the spasming to give your body a chance to recover. This article was originally published September 13, 2010 and most recently updated October 5, 2023. © 2026 HealthCentral LLC. All rights reserved. Sources Types of Neuromuscular Disorders: Cedars Sinai. (n.d.) “Neuromuscular Disorders.” <https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/n/neuromuscular-disorders.html> Treatment of Muscle Spasms: Northwest Medical Center. (2023.) “Muscle Spasms.” <https://nw-mc.com/muscle-spasms/> Muscle Relaxers: American Family Physician. (2008.) “Choosing a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant.” <https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2008/0801/p365.html> Treatment for Low Back Pain: Annals of Internal Medicine. (2017.) “Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians.” <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28192789/> Anti-Spastics vs Anti-Spasmodics: Cleveland Clinic. (2023.) “What do muscle relaxers do?” <https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24686-muscle-relaxers> Types of Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxers: Drugs.com. (2023.) “Skeletal Muscle Relaxants.” <https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/skeletal-muscle-relaxants.html> Spasticity Treatments: American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (n.d.) “Spasticity.” <https://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/spasticity/> More Spasticity Treatments: Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. (2013.) “A Review of Spasticity Treatments: Pharmacological and Interventional Approaches.” <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4349402/#> Benzos In Older Adults: Mayo Clinic Proceedings. (2015.) “Benzodiazepine Use in Olders Adults: Dangers, Mangement, and Alternative Therapies.” <https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(16)30509-2/fulltext> Spasticity Treatment: Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. (2019.) “Non-pharmacological interventions for spasticity in adults: An overview of systematic reviews.” <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29042299/> Dantrolene for Spasticity: StatPearls. (2023.) “Dantrolene.” <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535398/> Arnica Benefits: Medicines. (2021.) “Clinical Trials, Potential Mechanisms, and Adverse Effects of Arnica as an Adjunct Medication for Pain Management.” <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8537440/> LLLT and Stroke: Lasers in Medical Science. (2016.) Effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT 808 nm) on lower limb spastic muscle activity in chronic stroke patients.” <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27299571/> Pickle Juice for Spasms: Journal of Athletic Training. (2014.) “Electrolyte and Plasma Responses After Pickle Juice, Mustard, and Deionized Water Ingestion in Dehydrated Humans.” <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4080605/> Neuromuscular Stimulation: Physiotherapy Canada. (2017.) “Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Treatment of Muscle Impairment: Critical Review and Recommendations for Clinical Practice.” <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5683854/> Hydration Guidelines: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2005.) “Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate.” <https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10925/chapter/6> Water Therapy Benefits: Cleveland Clinic. 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Print [Our Review Process](https://www.healthcentral.com/medical-review-board) [Janet Lee:](https://www.healthcentral.com/author/janet-lee) Janet Lee has been covering health, fitness, and nutrition for 30 years. In addition to writing about and editing health content, she is a doctor of Chinese medicine and a 200-hour certified yoga instructor. [Elizabeth Carroll, M.D., Neurologist:](https://www.healthcentral.com/author/elizabeth-carroll) Elizabeth Carroll, M.D., is a neurologist in Chicago, IL. She is a graduate of Loyola University School of Medicine. Dr. Carroll completed residency in neurology followed by a fellowship in epilepsy at NYU Langone Hospital, and a fellowship in neurocritical care at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She is board certified both in neurology as well as epilepsy. ![](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=) #### More Like This [Back Pain Opioids for Severe Back Pain and Neck Pain![Prescription opioid bottles with pills.](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/spu_article_fid42352_asset/88959fe977548abe575ff36189543aff/36071-oxycodone70830043_xl123rf.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/opioids-severe-back-pain-neck-pain) [Back Pain NSAIDs for Neck or Back Pain: Helpful or Harmful to You?![NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/spu_article_fid37726_asset/8271be0dde6fb9c74bba32c09343a0fe/45212-nsaid.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/nsaids-neck-or-back-pain-helpful-or-harmful-you) [Back Pain Oral Steroids and Back Pain![Oral steroid, Medrol dose pack (Sandoz, Novartis), courtesy of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylprednisolone](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/spu_article_fid39016_asset/3e38aea3d09f90473b6064d4d4db8c07/48038-medrol_dose_pack_methyprednisone_sandoz_wikipedia.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/oral-steroids-back-pain) [Back Pain Back Pain and Drug Interactions: What You Need to Know Medically Reviewed![Back Pain and Drug Interactions: What You Need to Know](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/spu_article_fid43091_asset/3c471428625f69c7f7739927eee2494c/50987-medications_to_avoid_-_featured.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=64&h=64)](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/back-pain-drug-interactions-what-you-need-to-know) #### Emails That Keep You Healthy\! 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Readable Markdown	- [Back Pain](https://www.healthcentral.com/category/back-pain) - [Overview](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain) - [Back Sprain](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-sprains-strains) - [Herniated Disc](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/herniated-disc) - [Lower Back](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/low-back-pain) - [Sciatica](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/sciatica) - [Upper Back](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/upper-back-pain) Medically Reviewed ## Why Your Lower Back Hurts When You Stand Does your lower back ache after you stand around or when you first stand up after sitting? Here’s what might be causing the problem, and what may help. By ![A man stretches at his desk](https://images.ctfassets.net/yixw23k2v6vo/3dUahFIPGVqHd3M8xnS7xb/ba2f46321f83218df0c388d659008a5b/large-GettyImages-1396489606-3000x2000.jpg?fm=avif&fit=thumb&q=65&w=492&h=328) Maybe you’ve been standing in a long line at a busy market, and as you finally inch forward, you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your lower back. Or you stand up after sitting at your desk for hours and there’s a dull ache that you automatically try to massage away in your tight lower-back muscles. Although pain in your lower back while standing is often related to muscle fatigue, there’s a breadth of other possibilities, notes [Justin Mullner, M.D.](https://www.orlandohealth.com/physician-finder/justin-a-mullner-md#/overview), a sports medicine physician at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute in Orlando, FL. “Lower back pain is very common, to the point that [most people will experience this at some point in their lives](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain),” he says. In fact, an estimated 75% to 85% of U.S. adults will face some form of back pain during their lifetime, [according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons](https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Pain). And when it comes to triggers, “there may be some position, such as sitting or standing, that can make that pain more noticeable,” adds Dr. Mullner. Here’s a look at some possible reasons your back may be affected when you stand for a while (or when you first stand up after sitting for some time), along with remedies that may help, and when to see a doctor. ## Common Causes of Lower Back Pain The muscles in your back are connected to nerves, tendons, and other muscles—so it’s not always easy to figure out precisely what may be causing pain, says [Neel Anand](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/provider/neelakantan-anand-2682899.html), M.D., director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles. However, looking at specific symptoms in addition to noticing general pain can help narrow down the possibilities. Here are some top culprits that might cause back pain while standing: - [Ankylosing spondylitis](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/ankylosing-spondylitis) (AS). With AS, a form of arthritis, the back pain improves with movement and worsens when standing still, lying down, or sitting. You can also feel tightness in other areas, including the neck, shoulders, hips, or thighs. - [Herniated disc](https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Herniated-Disc). When a spinal disc is compressed, you may feel numbness, burning, or tingling, especially on one side of your back; the pain typically feels sharp and sudden. - [Poor posture](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076817). Hunching and slumping may produce a dull ache in your back as well as the shoulders and neck; rounded shoulders; and/or a feeling of weakness, strain, or muscle tension after standing or sitting. - [Sciatica](https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/sciatica). Caused by pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the back of the leg, this condition produces pain in the hips and buttocks as well as the back; difficulty walking on your toes or bending your foot; loss of sensation or numbness; and/or symptoms that appear on only one side of the body. - [Spinal stenosis](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/spinal-stenosis). With a narrowing of the spinal canal, you may feel a loss of sensation in the feet; cramping or weakness in the legs; and/or burning pain in the buttocks and down into the legs. - [Strained muscle](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22336-muscle-strains). Bruising, swelling, or weakness in the lower back can accompany a strained back muscle; muscle spasms and tightness in the back are also common. Keep in mind that back pain may not even be specifically about your back, Dr. Anand adds. For example, you may be experiencing pain due to a condition related to [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/copd), [kidney stones](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/back-pain-or-kidney-pain), gallstones, and [even some types of cancers](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4101555/). Because of that, it’s especially important to get assessed if your pain is becoming more painful or noticeable, says Dr. Anand. ## Alleviating Lower Back Pain According to the World Health Organization (WHO), [treatment for non-specific low back pain](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain)—which means pain that doesn’t have a specific diagnosis like ankylosing spondylitis or [herniated disc](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/herniated-disc/herniated-bulging-discs)—can often be treated with a range of approaches. These can include: - [Alternating heat and ice](https://www.healthcentral.com/article/hot-and-cold-therapy-for-muscles) on the affected muscles - [Gentle movement and stretching](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/herniated-disc/exercises-stretches-herniated-disc-pain), such as yoga, and low-impact exercise like swimming - Occupational therapy that assesses physical work and movement patterns - Physical therapy that improves muscle strength in the back and other affected areas such as the hips The WHO notes that pain medication should not be the first-line treatment for non-specific lower back pain, since movement and reduction of [inflammation](https://www.healthcentral.com/pain-management/inflammation) with icing and heat tends to work well for most people. That said, if the pain becomes chronic, your doctor may recommend medication or a therapy like corticosteroid shots, which can lower inflammation levels in the back, depending on the cause of your pain. ## Preventing Low Back Pain When Standing Prevention efforts for [low back pain](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/low-back-pain) that flares when standing after sitting up or standing in one place for some time will depend largely on what’s driving that problem, says Dr. Mullner. However, there are some strategies that can be helpful for most low back issues. These include: - Changing your position more often during the day, such as standing up for a few minutes every hour or so if you are seated or moving around if you are standing in one spot - Doing gentle stretches during work breaks, so your muscles aren’t in one set position for too long - Evaluating your mattress and sleep setup: Sometimes, an improper sleeping position can trigger back pain during the day. - Reconfiguring your work setup so it’s more ergonomic: For example, if you sit, evaluate whether your chair is positioned correctly in front of your desk or computer to prevent muscle fatigue; if you stand, make sure you aren’t bending or straining the muscles. It can also help to adopt healthy habits that don’t seem related to lower back muscles but still play a part, says Dr. Mullner. For example, [research suggests](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94001-1) there’s a significant association between chronic low back pain and emotional stress, so taking steps to reduce stress (like doing yoga, going for a walk, or doing meditation) could help [prevent back pain](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/upper-back-pain/how-prevent-upper-back-pain) or keep pain from worsening. ## When to See a Doctor If you’ve tried home remedies and the back pain isn’t going away—and especially if it’s getting worse—that’s usually an indication to see a doctor, says Dr. Anand. “Even though back pain is very common, and may start going away on its own after a couple days, there are some signs that you should see a doctor for this issue, particularly if the pain is beginning to affect your mobility and quality of life,” he adds. Consider making an appointment if you have any of these happening: - Back pain that lasts longer than a few days, becomes more acute whenever you stand, or is particularly sharp - If you have a history of back problems, [osteoporosis](https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/osteoporosis), respiratory condition, or any other chronic illness - Pain accompanied by other issues like fever, shortness of breath, unexpected weight loss, stiffness or weakness in the legs, or loss of control over your bowels or bladder - Pain that affects other parts of the body, such as hips, buttocks, and legs - Pain that interferes with everyday tasks or makes it difficult to move normally: for example, if you need to move in awkward or different ways to avoid sharp pain after standing - Pain that starts after a recent accident In general, low back pain that’s tied to muscle fatigue or poor posture should start to resolve within a few days with gentle movement, heat, icing, and strategic rest periods, says Dr. Anand. But if you’re starting to be concerned and the pain is sharp, it’s best to get checked so you can start a more tailored treatment based on what may be causing the issue. ![](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=)
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