The spine goes through changes as we get older. The soft discs that act like cushions between the bones start to wear down, leaving the lower back more vulnerable. Sitting for long periods can put extra pressure on the lower back and irritate the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg. This can cause pain in both the lower back and leg that feels sharper and harder to ignore.At Advanced Pain Care, many seniors seeking sciatica pain treatment notice a common pattern. Sitting in a chair or car for a while often makes their discomfort worse.