Sitting Not so Pretty

Do you spend a lot of time sitting behind a desk? Remember to take frequent breaks and move.

It’s a simple activity that we do every day, whether we’re commuting to work, sitting as a desk, spinning at the gym, or logging in screen time. Sitting puts more weight into your back joints than standing or lying down does, leading to compression, stiffness, discomfort or pain. What you may not know is that too much sitting can also cause tightness in the hip flexors, called the psoas (the “p” is silent) muscles. These muscles contract during sitting and make it hard to straighten up when you first stand up.

Get Moving

So, what can you do? One of the best ways to keep back pain at bay is by staying active. This doesn’t just dramatically decrease low back pain, but best of all, physical activity is natural, drug-free and fun. Taking walk breaks throughout the day is good for your spine and your overall health.

Looking for a more effective exercise? Running or run/walking, working out at the gym, Pilates or  yoga can help balance muscles, improve core strength and muscle balance, and reduce pain.

Boost Your Health

Sitting is not just rough on your back—it’s also bad for your health. Sitting can contribute to a variety of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. As they say, “Sitting is the new smoking.” Are bodies are designed to be kinetic. Everything we can measure on a blood test is improved by exercise. When you get moving, not only do you help your posture and spine, and enhance your health too.

Developing malfunctioning spinal joints from excessive sitting puts needless wear and tear on your spine, discs and muscles. Receiving chiropractic care makes working out more effective, and takes the stress of sitting out of your body. Feel better by making sure you’re well adjusted on a regular basis.