Why Herniated Disc Pain Feels Worse When You Sit

A herniated disc can occur from trauma, age-related degenerative changes, or repetitive strain on the spine. The condition can cause numbness and weakness in the spine that radiates into other parts of the body. For some people, herniated disc pain can make simple movements like sitting extremely painful.

At New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine, we specialize in nonsurgical treatments to manage herniated disc pain.

Our pain management specialist, Jose De La Torre, MD, uses injection therapies and other treatments to ease back, leg, and neck pain related to a herniated disc.

Dr. De La Torre also offers referrals for physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other treatments that prevent mobility loss and other complications.

An overview of herniated discs

Between each of your spinal vertebrae sits a rubbery disc that prevents bones from rubbing together and absorbs the shock of your movements. The disc features a durable outer coating that surrounds a softer, gel-like center.

If the outer shell of the disc herniates (ruptures), the soft gel center can be forced out of the shell and press against nearby spinal nerves. This pressure can cause tingling, weakness, numbness, and pain anywhere the nerve travels.

For instance, herniated discs in the upper (cervical) spine can trigger pain and other symptoms in the neck, shoulders, and arms. A damaged disc in the lower (lumbar) spine can lead to symptoms in the lower back, hips, and legs.

Herniated discs can occur from spinal injuries related to an auto accident or sports. Years of bending and twisting in a manual labor job can also increase your risk factors for a herniated disc. Additionally, the breakdown of the spinal structures that happens with age can result in one or more herniated discs as you get older.

Why does a herniated disc hurt more when you’re sitting?

A herniated disc may not cause severe symptoms right away, but your day-to-day activities can eventually worsen the condition.

For many with a herniated disc, being in a seated position can be difficult. Pain and other symptoms tend to be more prominent because of the extra pressure that sitting puts on your spinal discs. Lying down, walking, and strenuous exercise can also have the same effect. 

The extra pressure on the spine and damaged discs not only aggravates nearby nerves, but it can also contribute to chronic inflammation and additional damage to the ruptured disc. 

If you tend to overcompensate for the pain by slouching or by sitting for extended periods, herniated disc pain can become progressively worse. A lack of movement may also reduce your spine’s flexibility and interfere with your natural healing processes.

Nonsurgical therapies for herniated disc pain

When herniated disc pain and other symptoms interfere with your ability to stay active or get a good night’s sleep, our interventional pain strategies can help.

Dr. De La Torre and our team customize a care plan so you can stay active and delay the need for surgery. If over-the-counter medicines are no longer working for pain control, we can prescribe appropriate medications or recommend therapies like epidural steroid injections.

With severe symptoms, surgery may be necessary to improve your quality of life. We offer referrals to expert surgeons who can remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial one to achieve long-lasting pain relief.

Call New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine in Wesley Chapel, Florida, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for herniated disc symptoms or book a consultation online.