Long Term Effects of Sitting

Many of us sit while driving to work, sit at a desk at work, then go home and then sit and watch TV or eat dinner. Sitting a lot can contribute to poor flexibility and mobility. In this post, we are going to go explain the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

Many patients find our clinic because they are in pain. Whether it is low back pain, sciatica, or hip pain when you have it you will do anything to get rid of it. Most turn to Google or YouTube and try anything and everything. But, what if something everyone does as simple as sitting could be the cause or at least a contributor.

Can sitting cause low back pain?

Sitting puts pressure on the discs, causing low back pain to worsen after sitting for long periods of time. Walking and stretching can alleviate low back pain quickly but returning to a sitting position may cause symptoms to return.

How can I prevent lower back pain when sitting?

1. Sit as little as possible, and only for short periods of time (10 to 15 minutes).
2. Sit with a back support (such as a rolled-up towel) at the curve of your back.
3. Keep your hips and knees at a right angle. (Use a footrest or stool if necessary.)

Are there other conditions that can be caused by sitting too much?

• Sciatica
• Hip Pain
• Knee Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Back Pain

In worse case scenarios low back pain can be caused by underlying conditions such as muscle strains, disc issues (i.e. herniated or bulging discs), spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease.

What else could be to blame for my back pain?

Some activities that can cause low back pain include overuse such as working out or lifting too much, prolonged sitting and lying down, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or wearing a poorly fitting backpack.

What can be done to prevent the pain from sitting too much?

You can see a chiropractor or physical therapist or even a physiotherapist and they can create a program of light stretches and rehabilitative correction techniques that can help restore your flexibility and improve your range of motion. Many physicians will give a simple piece of advice, to just get up and out of your seat every 30 minutes to prevent the long-term effect of sedentary behaviors.

If you are finding this post and are experiencing low back pain or have been previously diagnosed with any of the conditions mentioned we may be able to help, click the book now to request your new patient appointment or give the office a call.