Is Sitting Bad for Your Back?

The vast majority of those who work at a computer spend almost their entire day sitting, only standing up to get food. In addition to spending several hours sitting at work, while eating and on the way two and from work, many people also spend an additional one to two hours sitting down watching TV, playing games, reading or using their home computer. In the US, the average person spends 13 hours sitting and 8 hours sleeping every day.

So, what effect does all that time off your feet have on your back?

Sitting and Back Pain

Sitting for extended periods of time is hard on the back and frequently leads to lower back pain. When we are sitting, the pressure on the discs of the spine is much greater than when standing or lying down. Sitting with good posture relieves some of the pressure, but there is still enough pressure to cause problems.

And back pain isn‘t the only issue associated with spending too much time sitting. “Sitting Disease” refers to the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardio vascular disease.

What You Can Do

Though your job may require you to spend much of your day working in front of a computer, there are things that you can do to reduce your risk of back pain and a host of other problems associated with sitting. Stand up and move around as often as possible. Even if you only stand up for a few minutes, it can reduce your risk. Try to stand up, stretch and walk around for no less than a minute or two every half hour. If time allows, taking a twenty minute walk during your lunch break can be extremely helpful. Doing so promotes healthy blood flow that delivers essential nutrients to the spinal structures.

While sitting, sit back in your chair, and avoid slouching. Change your position frequently while sitting, and place a lumbar roll between your lower back and the back of your chair. You may find that alternatives to traditional office chairs, such as Swedish kneeling chairs or exercise balls, improve your posture and reduce back pain.

In many instances, having to sit at work or for a long commute are unavailable, but there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing back pain and other health problems. If you suffer from low back pain, contact Denver South Chiropractic for a free consultation. We will work with you to determine the cause of your pain and provide a long-term solution. Call 303-757-7272 for chiropractic treatment in Denver.