Why does my back hurt when I sit?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Sitting hurts because stillness is the problem: hours in one position flatten your lower back's curve, raise pressure on the discs, and switch off the muscles that should be sharing the load. The NHS names muscle strain as the most common cause of back pain, and says most backs improve within a few weeks with movement, not bed rest. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you audit your setup.
What to do
- Move every 30 minutes: a short stand or walk unloads the discs.
- Sit back, feet flat: let the chair carry your lower back instead of your muscles.
- Stay active overall: the NHS is direct that bed rest slows recovery.
- See a GP if it persists past a few weeks - slipped disc and sciatica need proper diagnosis.
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