3 Solutions to Prolonged Sitting
By Debra Rodzinak
Sitting has become the new smoking. Once seen as a pleasurable pastime, just like smoking, sitting is unhealthy. The more that researchers look into the unhealthy risks of heart disease and particular forms of cancer, more and more healthcare professionals are urging patients to get up and move instead of sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Stretching
When people sit for too long, their muscles and joints become stiff and tight. Stretching helps loosen up the joints and elongate the muscles to help the body work more efficiently.
Stretching the muscles and joints of the body also helps ward off potential injuries to the back. If the back muscles and spine are better able to support the body and work while turning or twisting, pulled muscles or slipped discs in the back are less likely.
Strengthening
Sitting in a chair for eight hours per day does not strengthen any muscles. In fact, research has shown that back muscles are weakened from prolonged sitting. When back muscles are weak, they cannot support the spine as they should.
Poor posture is the result of weakened back muscles. Poor posture leads to the vertebrae of the spine not lining up as they should and discs can erode or slip out of place. The result is nerves that are irritated or pinched, which causes pain.
Chiropractic
Even if the back muscles are built up over time to support the spine, if the spine is not properly aligned to begin with, the hours spent strengthening the back or stretching the joints will not be as effective. Beginning with a properly aligned spine is the first step in correcting any back issues.
If you sit for prolonged periods of time during the day, come to The Joint for a gentle spinal adjustment. The expert doctors at The Joint work with patients to formulate a plan of action that includes ways to strengthen the back muscles while maintaining proper alignment. At The Joint, the doctors work with patients on the patients’ terms to help them solve their individual problems and needs.
With no pesky insurance forms to fill out or appointment times to remember, finding ways to maintain proper posture and correct spinal alignment for overall better health becomes attainable and easy. Incorporate chiropractic, strengthening exercises, and stretching to help your back maintain optimum health when you have to sit for prolonged periods of time at work or home.