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Sitting is a comfortable position for the body to relax in and oftentimes helps relieve various pains associated with standing or activity...so there’s no way sitting can be harmful to your body, right? Many believe this to be true and do not realize how extended periods of sitting can actually create harmful repercussions on the body.
Especially prevalent in the U.S., sitting for 8+ hours a day is considered the norm for most full-time employees working in various occupations. Many are accustomed to this sedentary lifestyle and try to make up for it by doing cardio at the gym in the morning or at night. While cardio and physical activity are positive components in achieving optimal health and wellness, a 30-60 minute workout may not make up for the prolonged damage that can come with excess sitting each day.
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Sitting in a chair all day, especially with poor posture and little movement, can lead to various complications down the line including compression of the discs in the spine which can cause premature degeneration creating chronic back pain. Your hips can also become tight due to shortening of the hip flexors as you sit, and lack of blood flow throughout your legs can cause your legs to become weaker as well. These are all effects to be aware of, if you sit for prolonged periods of time regularly, in order to acknowledge your body’s needs and try to prevent any future negative outcomes.
In order to help combat your body’s response to sitting all day, there are various ways to help by incorporating some of the tips below into your routine:
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- When sitting, ensure your posture is proper - no bent necks, hunched shoulders, etc.
- Sit in an ergonomically correct chair to help support good posture
- Elevate your feet on and off while sitting to promote blood flow
- Take 5-10 minute breaks to stand or walk throughout the day
- Perform simple neck isolations, rolls and stretches throughout the day
- Stretch out your back/spine at the end of the day by reaching side to side with your arms and torso, stretching in downward dog & cobra, and stretching in child’s pose
- Perform some sort of physical activity/regular movement 3-5 days a week including - walking, workouts, yoga, pilates, etc.
These simple tips can help to prevent negative effects on your back and body due to the nature of your days and/or work. *Chronic back pain affects about 8% (16 million) of adults in the U.S., and many do not realize that there are things you can do each day to help! If chronic back pain does become a part of your life, or already is, there are various minimally invasive treatment options available to try as well. Visit www.pennpain.com for more information on back pain treatments.
*Statistic from Healthline.com
More about Pennsylvania Pain and Spine
Phone Number: (215) 395-8888
Website: https://www.pennpain.com
Office Locations:
1500 Horizon Drive
Suite #102B
Chalfont, PA 18914
127 South 5th Street
Suite #180
Quakertown, PA 18951
Hours:
Mon-Thurs 8:00am-6:00pm
Fri-Sun CLOSED
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