In the modern world, many of us spend a huge portion of our day sitting—whether it’s at a desk, in the car, or simply lounging at home. While this might seem harmless or even relaxing, too much of this lifestyle can have serious consequences for our health. While it’s up to you to make the necessary adjustments, a Billings chiropractor can be your partner in taking a proactive approach to adding movement back into your life.
What Is a Sedentary Lifestyle?
Of course, we all need to rest and sit at times, but when does it become a problem? A sedentary lifestyle is characterized by long periods of inactivity and little to no physical exercise. This is more common in people who are sitting at a desk for work, watching TV, driving long distances, playing video games, and using electronic devices for extended periods. While these activities might be a part of our daily routines, their cumulative effect can be detrimental to our health and should be carefully moderated.
Health Risks of a Sedentary Lifestyle
A lack of movement can cause a range of health issues and make existing issues worse in some cases. The exact consequences will vary by person, but some common concerns include the following:
Cardiovascular Disease: Lack of physical activity can lead to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Regular exercise helps improve heart health by strengthening the heart muscle, lowering blood pressure, and improving circulation.
Musculoskeletal Problems: Prolonged sitting can cause musculoskeletal problems such as lower back pain, neck pain, and poor posture. When you sit for long periods, your muscles can become stiff and weak, leading to discomfort and pain.
Mental Health Issues: A sedentary lifestyle is also linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Without these, individuals may experience increased stress and mental fatigue.
Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Prolonged inactivity can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
A Proactive Approach with Chiropractic Care
The easiest way to prevent these issues is to adopt a more active lifestyle by incorporating regular exercise, ergonomic seating, and other activities in your day. Chiropractic care can also offer a proactive approach to countering the negative effects.
Regular chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by prolonged sitting. By realigning the spine, chiropractors can reduce pressure on the nerves and improve overall spinal health. This can also help with improving posture, enhancing joint mobility, and making it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you’re concerned about the effects of a sedentary lifestyle on your health, Bare Chiropractic is here to help. Dr. Thomas Keogh and our team can address your specific needs and help you achieve a more active, pain-free life. Contact us today to get started!
Sources
Huang, Y., Li, L., Gan, Y., Wang, C., Jiang, H., Cao, S., Lu, Z. “Sedentary behaviors and risk of depression: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.” Translational Psychiatry, 2020; 10: 26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7026102/
Mahdavi, S.B., Riahi, R., Vahdatpour, B. Kelishadi, R. “Association between sedentary behavior and low back pain; A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Health Promotion Perspectives, 2021; 11(4): 393–410. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8767074/
