How Sitting at Work for Long Hours Can Damage Your Health

By Dr. Erik Simms

If you work long hours sitting in a chair facing a computer or dealing with lots of documents, you know how crucial it is to be comfortable at all times. That said, you should know that not because you’re comfortable in your chair, it means you shouldn’t worry about anything. In fact, getting used to a certain posture after a long period can affect your health, specifically your spine. 

If you want to know more about the risks of sitting for long periods, read on as Triple Crown Chiropractic, your trusted family chiropractor, shares some information on this topic:

A Huge Amount of Stress on Your Spinal Ligaments and Discs

The risk of getting injured while sitting for long hours is very high because you are stressing your spinal ligaments and discs due to the body’s natural tendency to take different positions. If you spend most of the day sitting and using your computer, for example, then you may notice your lower back getting stiff and sore.

Muscle Tension and Knots

New issues arise when you stress the way you sit for long periods of time. One of the effects of having to sit in the same position is the development of tight muscles and knots. As a result, your body is forced to move and respond every time you have to move your arms, legs, and torso.

What You Can Do to Maintain the Health of Your Spine

One of the most important things you can do while sitting for long periods is to change your position every ten to 15 minutes. Get up and do some stretching to make sure everything’s okay. If you have to work for hours at a time, it is pivotal to upgrade your chair so that it offers proper support. You should also consider getting a back support cushion to maintain the natural curve of your spine.

If you’re at risk of getting an injury due to long periods of sitting, you can ask your chiropractor for advice on what you can do to avoid it. One of the tips you can start with is to do more stretching exercises to keep your muscles loose and relaxed. If you can’t do it yourself, ask your chiropractor to do the job for you.

What Chiropractors Can Do for You

If you are suffering from discomfort due to long periods of sitting, you can visit your local chiropractor, who can help you. Your chiropractor can perform a spinal exam to see if there’s any problem with your neck, back, or spine. They can also recommend what you can do to feel better.

Getting regular chiropractic treatments from a professional is important to make sure that your spine is healthy. That said, you should also use the tips above to make sure that you’re sitting correctly, regardless if you’re working or relaxing at home.

Conclusion

Sitting for long periods of time can be stressful for your spine and cause serious health problems. For this reason, it is crucial to get up every 10-15 minutes and move to avoid putting stress on your lower back. Also, it is important to use the tips and recommendations from your local family chiropractor as to what you can do to relieve the tension in your body and avoid dangerous situations.

For services from an experienced chiropractor in Northern Kentucky, trust only Triple Crown Chiropractic. Contact our chiropractic center to schedule an appointment!

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