What is the Effect of Prolonged Sitting at a Job?

Prolonged sitting can have negative outcomes on physical and mental health. It can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which is associated with weight gain, increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Sitting for long periods can also contribute to a decrease in cardiovascular health.

bad posture leads to fatigue, headaches, and back pain.
Shot of a young businesswoman suffering from backache while working at night

Muscular and skeletal issues, like back pain and poor posture, are common from constant sitting. It can also lead to mental health issues, like stress, anxiety, and reduced cognitive function.

Consider this: you think better after you’ve gotten some fresh air, played with the dog, or even after taking out the trash. Who knew? Too cold to go outside? Turn up your tunes and dance like nobody’s watching!

Chronic pain continues to be one of the primary reasons for medical consultations worldwide. In 2022, it was estimated that nearly 100 million people in the United States were affected by chronic pain. There are economic costs to society in missed work and decreased productivity. The medical bill for chronic pain was over $635 billion. Billion with a B!

How specifically does prolonged sitting affect your health?

Prolonged Sitting and Poor Posture

Constant sitting, especially in poor posture, can contribute to chronic pain issues, particularly in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Prolonged sitting can lead to muscle imbalances, stiffness, and strain on the spine. Here are some effects of constant sitting on chronic pain and how chiropractic adjustments may help:

Lower back Pain

  • Sitting for extended periods can cause compression of the lumbar spine, leading to lower back pain.
  • Chiropractic adjustments may help realign the spine, reduce pressure on discs, and alleviate lower back pain.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

  • Poor posture while sitting can contribute to neck and shoulder pain.
  • Chiropractors can perform adjustments to correct misalignments in the cervical spine, reducing tension and pain in the neck and shoulders.

Muscle Imbalances

  • Prolonged sitting can lead to weakened and tight muscles, causing imbalances.
  • Chiropractic care may involve adjustments to restore proper alignment, addressing muscle imbalances and promoting better posture.
  1. Spinal Misalignments:
    • Sitting in a slouched or hunched position can result in spinal misalignments.
    • Chiropractors use manual adjustments to manipulate the spine, promoting better alignment and reducing pain.
  2. Reduced Joint Mobility:
    • Lack of movement can contribute to reduced joint mobility.
    • Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore joint mobility, enhancing flexibility and reducing stiffness.
Dr Hafer adjusting one of her patients. Increased joint mobility is critical for a long and healthy life.

It’s important to note that while chiropractic care may provide relief for some individuals, it might not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, incorporating lifestyle changes, such as regular breaks from sitting, stretching exercises, and ergonomic adjustments to workstations, can complement chiropractic care in managing and preventing chronic pain associated with constant sitting.

Breaks, ergonomic adjustments, and regular physical activity are essential to mitigate the negative effects of all that sitting. Chiropractic adjustments keep your spine aligned to offset poor posture associated with computer work. We can recommend exercises for long-term health. Give us a call