Is Too Much Sitting Bad for You?
Maybe you’ve heard the expression that sitting is the new smoking. Too much sitting is indeed bad for you, and we’re not just talking about back pain caused by sitting for long periods of time. The short-term and long-term side effects of being overly sedentary and using bad posture are quite frightening—but they can also be avoided.
Is Too Much Sitting Bad for You?
The most obvious sign that sitting down too much is bad for you is the fact that you’ll likely feel pain after sitting for a long time. The longer we sit, the more likely we are to use bad posture, which can have side effects like back pain, tech neck, desk fatigue, and even carpal tunnel syndrome.
But more studies are linking too much sitting and sitting for too long to long-term health problems. This includes everything from cardiovascular disease to an increased risk of cancer to a lower lifespan. Sitting too much is also bad for you in that it can increase feelings of stress and anxiety, lead to feelings of depression, and facilitate weight gain.
Tips for Avoiding Pain From Sitting Too Long
Sitting is unavoidable, and it just feels nice to take a load off sometimes. But if you want to avoid the side effects of sitting for too long and using bad posture, you can take some simple steps. If you sit a lot for work, consider upgrading to a convertible desk that lets you sit or stand as you see fit. You should also get into the habit of taking breaks—get up and walk around every hour or so if possible, and don’t forget to stretch on a regular basis. And make sure you drink enough water since staying hydrated supports better spinal health.
You can also counteract the bad effects of sitting too much with better lifestyle habits. Regular exercise and daily stretching help your body function in a more optimal way, strengthening muscles and helping you recover from pain and other side effects of bad posture and sitting too long. Speaking of posture, you can avoid painful side effects of too much sitting by focusing on improving your posture, which is something that regular chiropractic care can help.
Pain From Sitting Too Long? Visit Shields Chiropractic
Sitting too much is bad for you, and regular chiropractic care can help offset the harm it does to your body. Get a chiropractic adjustment at Shields Chiropractic, and you can look forward to less pain, more energy, and other great benefits. Schedule your appointment or call us at 989-781-7700 to get started in Saginaw, MI.