Is Sitting Down A Silent Killer? by Andrea Tapia
There is no doubt we spend the majority of our day seated. If you work a standard 9-5, chances are you're contributing to more than eight hours a day sitting. Take a moment to consider the day; working, commuting, eating, watching television, and the list goes on.
Associated Health Risks
The
negative effects of prolonged sitting include narrowing of the chest cavity. This
reduces the body’s lung expansion thereby diminishing oxygen intake, which then
circulates throughout the blood stream. Limited oxygen uptake reduces blood
flow to muscles, joints, ligaments and vital organs such as the brain, making
concentration difficult.
Muscle Imbalance
Sitting for prolonged periods can also disrupt the body’s homeostasis. Altering this physical equilibrium leads to muscle imbalance. According to Dr. Rainegale Pesidas, DPT,
“If this is not corrected the results can include poor circulation, decreased flexibility, muscle weakness, and chronic pain.”Muscle imbalances associated with sitting can be categorized into two groups: inactive and overactive muscle groups.
- Inactive muscles, such as the abdominals, gluteus complex, and those of the upper back, begin to atrophy causing muscle weakness.
- Overactive muscles, such as the chest, hip flexors, and low back begin to compress causing nerves, arteries, and veins around these joints to become blocked. Blockage of any kind is not something to be ignored and can cause symptoms of tingling or numbness down the limbs.
What Can I Do Right Now?
Move that body!
Move that body!
Reducing
the amount of time spent sitting can help reduce back pain and neck pain. Make
time for your health. Set reminders throughout the day to get up from your
desk. Take time to stretch, walk around, and disconnect from your workstation.
If you’re watching television take the time between commercials to be active or
finish household chores. The body was meant for movement, don’t waste your days
idle.
Long Term Prevention & Current Pain Management
If
you are experiencing pain from prolonged sitting, any of our Physicians on
staff understand and treat a variety of pain conditions and spine related injuries.
Let us help you develop the right
treatment plan for you. Physical Therapy has also shown to help reduce and
eliminate pain caused by prolonged sitting. Improving muscle function, motor
control, muscular endurance and strength can not only alleviate current pain,
but also prevent future reoccurrences.
Are you suffering from back pain or neck pain and don't know which doctor to see? Give us a call at 212-488-9600 or click here to request an appointment.
References:
0 comments:
Post a Comment