A massive chunk of our lives involves sitting down. From school to work, we are behind a desk, expected to accomplish significant tasks. The problem, however, lies in the physical effects of sitting down too much. It compromises the body’s need to exercise, causing severe back and neck pains.
What happens when you sit too much
The human body is naturally-built for standing up or lying down. As a result, sitting too much puts so much weight and pressure on the hips and the back. The hip flexors are compromised, causing them to shorten and tighten.
In addition to this problem is bad posture. People who sit for long periods with improper posture puts tension on the lower back, shoulders, and neck. Too much sitting also results in “poor spine health such as compression in the discs” that could cause severe back pain and premature degeneration.
There are a few things that people can do to create a healthier lifestyle despite a full-time work schedule or staying at home all day.
1. Yoga
Ending the day with a yoga sequence can not only stretch your entire body after a whole day of lethargy, but it can also reduce stress and anxiety. It’s one of the most popular forms of exercise because the different poses in yoga help yogis have stronger cores, become more flexible, and sculpt muscles. While doing the poses, people may find themselves listening to their joints crack, and their hamstrings stretch.
Aside from the physical aspect, yoga promotes mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation. It’s like being one with the soul as the serenity of yoga allows people to keep in touch with their thoughts and—in a way—existence.
Because of these, a person can let go of the mental, emotional, and mental stress they encounter in their lives.
2. Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care focuses on spinal manipulation, which helps in “improving functionality, reducing nerve irritability, and restoring range of motion in the back.” Because of this, people in Layton, Utah, who experience back pains or any other pains caused by traumatic accidents seek chiropractors.
This kind of treatment surprised a lot of people as they saw bodies being contorted in awkward positions before hearing a loud crack. It frightens some, but chiropractic care has so many health benefits, and one of them is relieving back and neck pains.
3. Move around in the office
Getting out of the desk and walking around the office will help in alleviating the stress from the lower back. It is recommended to take 10-minute breaks for every hour of sitting down. Here are things people can do in the office that doesn’t involve being stuck in a chair:
- Use the standing desk
- Talk to co-workers around the watercooler or in the pantry. This can also foster collaboration in the workplace, resulting in a healthier environment.
- Pace back-and-forth while getting ready for an important meeting
These can keep the muscles from being idle and the body from staying in the same position for an extended period.
The takeaway
Too much inactivity poses a lot of risks to a person’s health. It increases the possibility of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other ailments caused by lack of exercise. These three ways to ease the tension on the spine can make a significant difference in our health.
