Is low back and side pain related to walking or standing a symptom of MS?
Yes, low back pain can be related to MS, especially when you're constantly walking or standing. It's actually more common than you might think!
Several MS-related factors could be causing your discomfort:
Muscle spasticity and tightness - This is Show Full Answer
Is low back and side pain related to walking or standing a symptom of MS?
Yes, low back pain can be related to MS, especially when you're constantly walking or standing. It's actually more common than you might think!
Several MS-related factors could be causing your discomfort:
Muscle spasticity and tightness - This is one of the most common MS symptoms, affecting 60-90% of people with MS. Spasticity can cause muscle stiffness in your lower back and create soreness after prolonged activity.
Muscle spasms - These painful contractions can happen in your back and trunk muscles. A MyMSTeam member described it as feeling "like I worked out hard" after their back muscles experienced spasms.
Limited mobility and muscle fatigue - When your muscles aren't receiving proper nerve signals due to MS, they can tire more easily during activities like walking or standing, leading to pain and discomfort.
Decreased endurance - Many people with MS experience reduced endurance, which can make prolonged walking or standing more physically taxing on your body.
It's worth tracking when the pain occurs and what helps relieve it. This information can help your neurologist determine if it's MS-related or something else entirely (like gas!). They may suggest stretching exercises, physical therapy, or medications to help manage the discomfort.
November 10, 2025