We’ve all heard that sitting is the “silent killer”. In today’s day and age, especially with increased texting and phone usage, sitting for long periods of time can be detrimental to health. Yet sometimes our circumstances make sitting unavoidable; desk jobs and frequent travel are two common examples.
Before long, you may start to feel unexplained pain and lethargy. Rather than continuing this lifestyle, turn to our team at The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury. Let’s take a look at how sitting for too long can negatively impact our bodies.
Effects on the Body
Sedentary living slows the circulation of blood through our bodies. When blood flow is restricted, you may experience a “pins and needles” sensation in different areas of the body and are at higher risk for a heart attack. What are some other potential consequences?
- Spinal Pressure: Long periods of sitting can lead to poor posture. After hours in a seated position, postural muscles relax and you slouch, leading to neck, back and/or shoulder pain.
- Loss of Flexibility: Hip flexors facilitate the legs and knees to move towards the torso. Sitting on them for too long can restrict their ability to move properly.
- Body Imbalance: Gluteal muscles are the largest in the body. Sitting on rather than exercising them forces the body to compensate in other areas.
You can make an effort to stretch more and go for short walks, but this new routine can be hard for people who find themselves immersed in work or pulled into meetings often. The key to making a change is to relieve the excess pressure from sitting.
How can our services help reverse and prevent these dangers?
Spinal Adjustments
The central nervous system, which houses the brain and spinal cord, controls most functions of the mind and body. When the spine is out of normal alignment, the spine cannot move as it’s meant to. Over time, soft tissues experience excessive stress; muscles tighten, ligaments pull and nerves get irritated. As a result, the spine begins to wear out in these areas and degenerates.
Through gentle, hands-on adjustments, a chiropractor can release the tension caused by compressed nerves, so you can lead a happy, active and pain-free life!
Wellness Workshops
At The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury, we specialize in expert techniques and education that focus on health and wellness. Our doctors lead weekly wellness workshops, open to the public, to discuss topics related to healthy living.
In conjunction with your chiropractic treatment, we can also provide preventative tips and at-home exercises to improve posture and have you “sitting pretty” in no time!
To learn more about chiropractic care for the effects of prolonged sitting, contact us today!
