The Sitting Epidemic: Why Sitting Too Much Impacts Your Long Term Health
Have you ever thought about how many hours per day, week, month, etc. that we spend on average sitting down? It’s likely a much higher number than you think. Well according to DIYGenius “with the advent of TV, computers, and the desk job, we’re sitting down more than ever before in history: 9.3 hours per day on average.” The astonishing part is that on an average day we spend more time sitting down than sleeping. With this post our experts at True Roots Chiropractic will explain why too much sitting in your life can have a detrimental impact on your chiropractic health.
Sitting Hurts Your Body Long Term
“Sitting is the new smoking” has become a common phrase these days for a good reason. Whether it’s at work, home, or any transportation we’re always sitting without realizing it. Listed below are a few reasons why sitting a lot can hurt your long term health.
1. It Can Shorten Your Overall Life
It is actually proven that you’re more likely to die at an earlier age if you sit for long stretches at a time, regardless of regular exercise. DIYGenius states that “sitting 6+ hours per day makes you up to 40% likelier to die within 15 years than someone who sits less than 3. Even if you exercise.”
2. It Causes Back Pain
Back pain is common across the country, but many don’t understand what the actual cause of their back pain is. Plenty of times it is the 8+ hours of daily sitting that is one of the main culprits to back pain. The most common cause of lower back pain is postural stress, and the poor posture in which individuals are sitting. According to a study from Cornell University, “up to 90% more pressure is put on your back when you sit versus standing.” In general, the seated position puts huge amounts of stress on your neck, spine, and back muscles.
3. You Will Gain Weight
This shouldn’t be much of a surprise as long periods of sitting correlate to obesity and gaining weight. DIYGenius points out that “between 1980 and 2000 sitting time increased by 8% while obesity doubled.” This correlation makes perfect sense because sitting expends almost no energy from your body.
Start Standing and Get Rid of Back Pain
Now that you better understand the negative effects that sitting long term can have on your back and overall health, here are some recommendations we have that will get you up and standing.
1. Consistent Yoga
Participating in yoga on a regular basis can be a great way of preventing and treating back pain caused by sitting. Yoga is a low risk activity, and if you are hurting from back or neck pain be sure to give it a try!
2. Get a Standing Desk
Even if it’s for only half a day utilizing a standing desk is a good habit to start. Even for short periods throughout the day standing has been proven to help prevent or alleviate back pain caused from sitting.
3. Ergonomic Chairs
Ergonomic focused chairs are a good substitute to normal office chairs because they offer lower back support, which is huge long term. This is definitely worth the investment for the large amount of time you will find yourself sitting on a daily basis.
4. Visit a Chiropractor
Chiropractors like our experts at True Roots Chiropractic are trained in musculoskeletal manipulation and can both identity and cure your back pain from sitting. Chiropractors also provide advice on how to manage your day to day pain and offer useful suggestions.
“True Roots vision is to create a shift in the way our Des Moines community pursues health.”
Contact True Roots Chiropractic
Are you experiencing any back pain related to long periods of sitting? Schedule a Visit with True Roots Chiropractic today! We are the best chiropractic office in Des Moines, and let us improve your long term chiropractic health!