Everyone sits. Sitting can be good, sometimes our legs need a break from standing or walking. Unfortunately our society has become a lazy and sedentary society overtime with advances in technology leading to prolonged sitting. Many of us work eight hours a day at a computer for work. Our children play video games hours at a time. We sit on the couch staring at our phones. We become some consumed with these sedentary activities that we forget how important it is to stand or walk around to take a break. Sitting negatively effects your health if you do it for too long. Some experts even believe that sitting too much endangers you to an early death.
Why Exactly Is Sitting Too Much Is Bad For Your Health?
Death seems a bit extreme for sitting too much right? However, by sitting too much you actually are at a higher risk for diabetes, depression, heart disease, and being overweight.
To understand why sitting too much is bad for your health, first we must delve into human anatomy.
Human bodies were designed to be upright. Our hearts and cardiovascular system, bowel functions, and muscles work more effectively when we stand and move around. Let’s delve into the research of symptoms and diseases that can be caused from prolonged sitting.
1) At Risk For Heart Disease
There have been lots of studies surrounding heart disease and the leading causes, but there are two cases in particular in regards to people sitting too much and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
The first study discovered that men who watched television for more than 23 hours a week were 64% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than men who only sat at the television for 11 hours per week.
The second study involved transit drivers(sit for most of their day) and conductors/guards (who stand for most of their day). Their diets and lifestyles mimicked each other’s closely, however, transit drivers were discovered to be twice as likely to develop heart disease than those guards who stood.
In general, sedentary people who sit too much have 147% higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
2)More Likely To Be Over Weight
Unfortunately, if you sit to Netflix and Chill for too long your digestion is likely to take a severe hit. Your muscles need to be worked in order to help your body digest sugars and fats that you consume. When you remain sedentary you will retain those fats and sugars. It may start as a pound or two, but a sedentary lifestyle will lead to being severely over weight.
Exercising some is better than none, but if you have to sit all day for your job, than it is suggested to exercise for a minimum of 60 minutes and up to 75 minutes.
3)Anxiety and Depression
We have a chemical in our body called endorphins and these can be activated in several ways. One of which, is exercise. Studies of shown that people who live a sedentary lifestyle with minimal physical activity are more likely to develop anxiety and depression.
4)Diabetes
If you are living a sedentary lifestyle, research as shown that those who are sitting too much in their day are 112% more likely to develop diabetes. Sitting too much leads to insulin resistance.
5)Varicose Veins
Have you ever seen spider veins on somebody’s legs? Maybe you have them on your own. These are known as varicose veins. These mainly develop when you have been sitting for too long. Sitting causes blood to pool in your veins in the legs.
Varicose veins are not typically dangerous, and are mostly a cosmetic inconvenience. However, in rare cases deep vein thrombosis can develop. This is when a blood clots forms in the veins of your leg which can ravel and cut off blood flow to other important organs of your body.
6)Cancer
Though the exact reason is not yet known, there have been correlations between sitting too much and developing lung, uterine, and colon cancers.
7)Hips and Low Back
Low back pain and hip pain is extremely common in people who are sitting too much on a daily basis. When you sit there is pressure being put on your lower spine. Getting up to take a walk is important to keep good hip rotation. When you are sitting for too long on the couch or at a desk it causes your muscles to stiffen, and ligaments in your spine can become stuck or misplaced.
8)Neck and Shoulders
It is quite normal to develop a stiff neck and shoulders from sitting for too long at a computer. Often times, your back is hunched over and you are straining your neck. Unfortunately, most people do not not know the proper way to sit up when at a desk which leads to long term complications in the neck and shoulders.
It is important to sit up against the back of your chair and to take breaks to stretch and walk around for a few minutes. Additionally, it may be advised to obtain a standing desk instead as it is better for spinal health.
9)Legs
A lack of movement from sitting too much leads to the leg muscles weakening and wasting away. Extreme examples of this type of condition can be found in those who are paralyzed or have another condition in which they cannot walk properly or often enough. The gluteal muscles are large muscles in your legs and are important to exercise to keep you stabilized when standing or walking. You are more likely to inure yourself with strains and falling frequently when the gluteal muscles are inactive for too long.
How Chiropractic Care Can Combat The Negative Effects of Sitting
Many of these symptoms from sitting to much can be prevented through chiropractic care. Chiropractic care involves realigning the spine and promoting soft tissue and muscular health. Chiropractors are doctors who specialize in the manual adjustment of the spine, and promote a lifestyle of wellness. This includes encouraging patients to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Chiropractic adjustments increase blood and oxygen flow to all internal systems. This helps improve circulation, thereby improving your body’s ability to heal itself by reducing inflammation and swelling.
Spinal adjustments are the top treatment for low back pain, stiff neck and shoulders, and can even combat anxiety and depression.
The spine protects your nerves that run from your brain to the rest of your body, and this includes sending the messages to create endorphins. If your spine is misaligned and there is a spinal obstruction your brain may not receive the signal to trigger endorphins. However, when the spine is adjusted correctly by a chiropractor, it allows the nerves to communicate clearly and release those endorphins.
About RxWellness Spine & Health
The doctors of RxWellness Spine & Health believe that chiropractic care is the prescription for wellness and long, healthy life. We believe in providing drug free, pain free care through natural solutions, and include other natural therapies in our patients’ care plan. These other therapies include: massage therapy, physical therapy, dry needling, and cupping.
We are the top rated chiropractic clinic in Northern, Virginia and provide quality care to our patients in an environment that promotes wellness.
Our offices are located across Northern Virginia in Arlington, Tysons Corner, and Herndon, VA. To schedule a consultation at a location convenient near you, call us today at 703-904-966 or make an online appointment request at our website. Select the location where you wish to have your consultation.
