Posture: Can you sit too upright? It hurts my lower back when I sit completely straight?

I've been told I have bad posture and have been encouraged to sit up straight but I find sitting straight causes strain in my lower back.

Is this OK?
Answer:
Yes it's normal. The muscles that should support your back probably haven't be used for a long time. Just like any unused muscle it takes training. Persist - it's worth it in the long run.

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Depends, how old are you and what do you do for a living?

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Your back has a natural curve so its no wonder it hurts if you are trying to stand perfectly straight.

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usually when that happen it means your extremity muscles are pulling the back bone causing muscle tension. the solution to that is simple: do some stretches every morning and at night. touch your feet with your hands until you achieve flexibility. that wil fix your problem. avoid meds specially prescription.

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Also work on strengthening the lower abdominal muscles. A lot of lower back pain and bad posture is caused by an imbalance between the abs and back muscles. So-called "weak backs" are just as likely to be weak abs that don't do their job of supporting the lower spine. Work on the lower abs by lying down and doing pelvic rolls and lifts with those muscles tightened inwards; when you walk, keep your pelvis tucked in instead of allowing yourself to slump into a swayback posture. (And try bellydancing! It's one of the best lower ab toners out there!)

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It's impossible from the web to determine your source of pain. Best if you see a physical therapist or your family doctor.

Possible sources of pain could be:

- strain on spinal connective tissues, ligaments due to shortening that has occurred. This can happen if you maintain poor postures for prolonged periods.

- overworked superficial back muscles. If the spinal stabilizers are weak, you rely heavily on the erector spinae. These muscles are not designed to work over prolonged periods and therefore fatigue quickly resulting in burning pain.

- disc pressure, bulges, or herniations. This usually occurs in individuals between the ages of 35 and 55, and is aggravated by poor postures.

Of course there are other sources of pain that need to be ruled out by your family doctor such as tumours, arthritis, spondylolithesis, spondylosis, degenerating discs, internal issues such as kidney or bowel problems, etc.

It's best if you see your doctor.

If your doctor clears you of serious pathology you may find the following web site helpful in gaining strength in your postural muscles:

http://www.exercise-ball-exercises.com...

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