Do You Sit Too Much?
By Sara Butler
Chiropractors know that a lot of the time low back pain is related to too much sitting. Let’s face it – there are so many opportunities in today’s world to sit for far too long. You sit in the car on your way to work, you sit at your desk at work, and you even sit at home to rest and relax after the workday comes to a close. The only time you may not be sitting is when you’re moving from one place to sit at another! So, it should not come as a shock that so many people see a chiropractor for low back pain. Here’s what you need to know about prolonged sitting and how your chiropractor may be able to help.
Why Too Much Sitting is Dangerous
When you sit, stress and strain are put on your spine – especially the lower part of the spine. If you’re not sitting with proper support of your lower back, your arms, your legs, and your hips, then it can cause pain and discomfort. Combine that with prolonged periods of sitting that does damage to your circulation and internal organs, and you have a recipe for poor spine health and overall health, too.
Minimize the Impact
Your health may be in serious danger due to all the sitting you do each and every day. In fact, some health experts have compared sitting for too long each day to smoking – it’s that bad for your overall health and wellness. If you want to tackle the sitting situation, then you should change a few things about your habits. You can:
- Take breaks – Small breaks at regular intervals can do wonders for your overall health, wellness, and posture. At least once an hour, get up and walk around for even a few minutes.
- Stretch – There are simple stretches you can do to help ease the impact of so much sitting on your spine. Talk to your chiropractor about easy stretches you can do right at your desk or at home.
- Change positions often – If you can stand and work a bit, then do it. Make sure you change positions a few times an hour as you move through your day, otherwise your muscles get fatigued and your posture becomes worse and worse.
Care for your spine and battle against the effects of prolonged sitting with help from your chiropractor at The Joint. They can identify problems you may have and help you find solutions.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Albuquerque, N.M.