Damaging Effects of Prolonged Sitting to the Spine
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
If you're sitting on a chair at work, it's essential that you feel comfortable. Just because you're at ease at work doesn't imply the spine is in good shape. After a period, you may become accustomed to a certain sitting position, but it may cause health issues in the long-term. What are the negative effects that extended periods of sitting may have on the spine? Let's look at some major indicators below, and don't forget to contact a chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic clinic for assistance in maintaining your spinal health.
Muscle Tension and Knots
If you maintain a certain position for an extended period, the muscles on each side of the spinal column may stiffen. This may result in a lot of muscular knots and tension, making it stiff and painful when you get after work.
You may find it very hard to bend down to fix the shoes or to rotate each side to stretch your back. Long-term tension problems may result from these muscular knots, making it difficult to bend and stretch your back.
Stress on Discs and Ligaments of the Spine
If you have a habit of sitting at your work desk all day, you may be overly stressing the spinal discs and ligaments. If you work at a desk, you're likely to type on a desktop computer or laptop or scribble in a notepad most of the day. If this is the case, you may find yourself leaned over a lot.
This may put a lot of stress on the spinal ligaments and may cause the vertebrae to go out of position. Also, this may place additional strain on the spinal discs, increasing the risk of nerve impingement. If you get shooting pains down the legs or tightness in the back, it may be an indication of a problem with the spinal discs or ligaments.
Chiropractic Care
Even while eating a good diet, stretching sometimes, and frequently exercising are all vital, you should also see a chiropractor who can assist you in taking care of the spine. The chiropractor may examine your sitting position to see what kinds of negative effects it may have on your spinal health.
Then, the chiropractor may correct the spine using a manual treatment called chiropractic adjustments. Your chiropractor may advise you to avoid prolonged periods of sitting in one posture. They may also advise you to exercise on a regular basis. Exercise is an excellent way to improve your flexibility while also strengthening the spinal column.
If you see a chiropractor regularly, you may be able to lower the risk of having persistent back problems in the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tampa, Fla.