If you’re like most Americans, chances are you sit for a long majority of your day: during your morning commute, while at work, on your return commute, and some more on your couch to relax after the long day. While this may seem harmless enough, your back will disagree eventually.
Why Is Sitting Dangerous?
Many people are surprised to learn that a sitting position doubles the amount of pressure on your spine. This stress is only amplified if you do so with poor posture.
Prolonged sitting can lead to:
The Shortening of Hip Flexors
If you sit often, your hip flexors will become less flexible and in turn become shortened. Over time, maintaining good posture becomes harder and harder.
Unbalanced Hips
Sitting with your legs crossed can cause an imbalance in the pelvic region and lead to decreased flexibility.
Forward Pelvic Tilt
The gluteus muscles are your largest, so if they don’t get much exercise the entire body must make up for it to remain balanced. This will cause your pelvis to shift into a different position than is optimal.
Constant Back Pain
Sitting for long periods of time and bad posture seem to go hand in hand. It’s not too long after this that the body becomes too stressed to compensate and begins aching.
How to Avoid Sitting
It can often seem like sitting is inevitable. However, the focus is on offsetting all the sitting you do with some small changes in routine to get some exercise. To decrease the amount of sitting you do during your busy day:
- Stand at your desk when possible. Standing desks are a great way to avoid problems that come along with sitting all day.
- Opt for the stairs. When possible take the stairs to get that little extra time not sitting.
- Go to get water often. Water is great for your body and it will give you a reason to stand up after some time sitting.
- Go for a walk during your lunch break. Going for a walk can help clear your mind, get some fresh air, and decrease the amount of time you spend sitting during the day.
Even though these changes to your routine may seem small, they can make a huge difference in overall well-being if done every day. If you’re dealing with the aches and pains of sitting too much, Dr. Josh Watkins and Dr. Aaron Pfaff would love to see you at Watkins Family Chiropractic!
Schedule an appointment for Savage and Prior Lake chiropractic care today!
