If you’re someone who spends long hours sitting in chairs, you may be at risk of developing poor posture and other health issues. Prolonged sitting can affect your skeletal health in a number of ways, leading to pain, discomfort and even serious injury.
Sitting for too long can have a major impact on your skeletal system. In fact, according to a recent study, sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of bone and joint problems, such as back pain and arthritis. When you sit for extended periods of time, your body’s muscles and ligaments are not being used as much as they should be. This increases the risk of your muscles and ligaments becoming weak and tight. When these muscles and ligaments become weak, your joints become more vulnerable to injury and pain.
The most obvious way that sitting can affect skeletal health is through poor posture. Sitting in the same position for too long can cause muscles to weaken and become tight, leading to poor posture over time. This can cause pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Poor posture can also lead to misalignment of the spine, which can cause chronic pain and even deformity of the spine in extreme cases. In addition to poor posture, sitting for long periods of time can also cause muscular imbalances. When you’re sitting, some muscles are in a shortened position, while others are overstretched. This can cause muscles to become weak and tight, leading to pain, strain and even injury. Sitting for too long can also lead to decreased blood circulation. The lack of movement and blood flow can cause a decrease in oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles, leading to fatigue and pain. This can also lead to a decrease in joint mobility, as the muscles and joints are not getting adequate nourishment.
Finally, sitting for long periods of time can lead to an increase in the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Sitting for hours on end increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
In order to protect your skeletal health and avoid the risks associated with prolonged sitting, it’s important to take regular breaks and move around throughout the day. Take a few minutes every hour to walk around or stretch, and make sure to pay attention to your posture and keep your spine aligned. Additionally, make sure to get adequate sleep and exercise regularly to keep your muscles and joints healthy. By taking the necessary steps to protect your skeletal health, you can help to prevent the pain and discomfort associated with sitting for too long.
Working from Home? Here’s How to Avoid Sitting for Too Long
The pandemic has caused many of us to work from home, which has resulted in longer periods of sitting in front of the computer. This can lead to a variety of health issues, including back pain, neck pain, and fatigue. To prevent these issues from occurring, it’s important to make sure you are taking the necessary steps to avoid sitting for too long.
1. Take regular breaks: Make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to give your body a break from sitting. Aim for at least five minutes of standing or walking every hour.
2. Set an alarm: Set a timer or an alarm to remind yourself to get up and move around.
3. Invest in ergonomic furniture: Investing in furniture that is designed to support your body in the correct position can help reduce the strain on your body.
● Electrically height adjustable table: An electrically height adjustable table can help reduce the strain on your body by allowing you to adjust the height of the desk to a comfortable level. This allows you to stand while working, which can help reduce the strain on your neck, back, and shoulders.
● Ergonomic chair: An ergonomic chair is designed to support your body in the correct position and provide lumbar support. This can help reduce strain on your neck, back, and shoulders and help you maintain a healthy posture.
4. Exercise: Exercise can help keep your body strong and flexible and can reduce the risk of developing pain and fatigue. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
5. Stretch: Stretching can help reduce muscle tension and improve your posture. Take a few minutes each day to do some stretching exercises.
By taking the necessary steps to avoid sitting for too long and including physical activity into your daily routine, you can help reduce the risk of developing pain and fatigue associated with sitting for too long.
Written by:
Michelle Blando
