Sedentary Lifestyle Risks

During your commute to work, staring at a computer screen, or having dinner with family—we are always sitting and it is usually hard to avoid being sedentary for extended amounts of time. Sedentary lifestyles are becoming more common and are not just causing weakened muscles & pain. Lucky us, there are ways to avoid the discomfort, but first, let’s check out the health risks of sitting at a desk all day.

You put double the strain on your spine while sitting at a desk than if you were standing. Sitting in the same position for hours on end will inevitably alter your posture. Here are some examples:

Shortened Hip Flexors — If you are not stretching your hip flexors enough, it will cause the position of your pelvis to change. In exchange, the tightened hip flexors will not allow you to stretch to your full range of motion, making you appear shorter.

Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain — If you are someone who leans forwards into your computer screen, it’s not just to gain a closer look. You are leaning forward because your abdomen and core cannot fully support the pressure. This can cause unnecessary neck and shoulder stress that will worsen over time.

Forward-Tilting Pelvis — Most people tend to slump forward because of the stress on their spine and lower back muscles. We typically adjust by tilting our pelvis forward to support the weight and alleviate the lower back muscles. This movement will over time weaken the muscles around your pelvis.

How to Reverse and Prevent the Effects of Sitting All Day

If there is no way to avoid your sedentary lifestyle, you can take action to reverse the negative effects. Start with these tips:

Get your steps in — Start by parking further from the building or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Even small amounts of cardio will strengthen your muscles.

Get Up —Take short breaks from work where you can stand, invest in a standing desk, or even take phone calls standing up.

Stretch—Stretch your legs and back every couple of hours for at least 10 minutes. Stretching can provide pain relief as it reduces tension in the muscles while also promoting a better range of motion, mobility, and flexibility.

Visit your local Pontiac, IL Chiropractor— Here at Livingston County Chiropractic Center, we are professionals in spine adjustments to counter the health risks of sitting at a desk all day. To learn more about chiropractic care or to request an appointment with us, just click here!

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