Health Hazards of Prolonged Sitting- Prolonged sitting, often associated with sedentary lifestyles and desk jobs, has been linked to various health hazards. The human body is designed for regular movement, and remaining seated for extended periods can have many negative health consequences. You must know about wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting.
As more and more people are forced to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of prolonged sitting has become even more prevalent. While working from a desk for extended periods can be incredibly convenient, it can also have severe consequences for your health. In this editorial, we will discuss the health hazards associated with prolonged sitting and what you can do to mitigate them.
Table of Contents
The Dangers of Prolonged Sitting
Sitting for longer periods of time can lead to several changes in the body, including:
Reduced muscle mass
Increased body fat
Decreased insulin sensitivity
Increased inflammation
Reduced blood flow
Increased risk of blood clots
Health Risks of Prolonged Sitting (health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting)
1. Cardiovascular Disease:
Prolonged sitting can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. It is because sitting reduces the flow of blood in your legs, which can cause damage to your blood vessels over time. As a result, sitting for long hours can lead to poor circulation, contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.
2. Obesity And Metabolic Syndrome:
Prolonged sitting can contribute to weight gain and a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions such as high blood sugar, increased blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and additional body fat around the waist. In addition, prolonged sitting can cause you to become sedentary, which can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity.
3. Poor Posture And Musculoskeletal Issues:
Sitting for extended periods can cause poor posture, muscle imbalances, and strain on the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, prolonged sitting can cause strain on your lower back and neck, leading to chronic pain and discomfort.
4 Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
Remaining seated for extended periods may increase the risk of blood clots forming in the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis. In addition, prolonged sitting can cause poor leg circulation, leading to various health problems, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
5. Increased Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes:
Sedentary behavior can lead to insulin resistance, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
6. Reduced Mental Health:
Prolonged sitting has been associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
7. Decreased Muscle Strength And Flexibility:
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to muscle atrophy and reduced flexibility, making it more difficult to perform physical tasks and increasing the risk of injury.
Moderating the Hazards of Prolonged Sitting
Here are the steps you can take to wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting
1. Take Regular Breaks:
Make sure to get up and move around at least once every hour. It will help to improve your circulation and reduce the risk of back pain.
2. Maintain Good Posture:
Sit up straight and avoid slouching. Position your chair and desk so that your feet are flat on the floor, your knees are at a 90-degree angle, and your back is well-supported.
3. Stretch:
Perform stretches that target muscles commonly affected by sitting, such as hip flexors, hamstrings, and lower back muscles. It can help prevent stiffness and pain.
4. Adjust Your Computer Monitor:
Adjust your monitor at eye level or slightly below, about an arm’s length away, to prevent neck and shoulder strain.
5. Stay Hydrated:
Drinking water regularly can help maintain energy levels and prevent muscle fatigue.
6. Consider Alternative Work Setups:
Balance balls, kneeling chairs, or treadmill desks are some options that can help engage your muscles and promote better posture while working.
7. Invest In A Comfortable Chair:
A comfortable chair with good lumbar support will help to reduce strain on your back and neck. Invest in a chair that supports your lower back and encourages good posture.
8. Use A Stand-Up Bureau:
Stand-up desks allow you to work while standing, which can help to reduce the risk of back pain and improve your posture.
9. Exercise Regularly:
Regular exercise, such as walking or cycling, can help to improve your circulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The target for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week.
Additional Tips
Some additional tips for reducing the health hazards of prolonged sitting are:
Use a standing desk or a treadmill desk.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Park your vehicle further away from your destination and walk the rest of the way.
Get up and move around during meetings or phone calls.
Do some light exercises during commercials or while watching TV.
Make sure your chair is ergonomically designed and that you have good posture.
Take breaks during the day to stretch and walk around.
How Does Sitting Affect Your Muscles?
1. Muscle Atrophy:
Prolonged sitting can lead to muscle atrophy, especially in the legs and glutes. When you sit for extended periods, these muscles are inactive, causing them to weaken over time.
2. Shortened Hip Flexors:
Sitting for long durations can cause your hip flexors to become tight and shortened. It leads to imbalances in the body and can contribute to lower back pain and postural issues.
3. Weaker Core Muscles:
When you’re sitting, your core muscles are not fully engaged, which can lead to weakened abdominal and lower back muscles. As a result, it can contribute to poor posture and increase the risk of back pain.
4. Tight Hamstrings And Calves:
Sitting for long periods can cause your hamstrings and calves to become tight and less flexible, increasing the risk of injury and discomfort.
5. Upper Body Stiffness:
Sitting with poor posture can lead to tightness and discomfort in the shoulders, neck, and upper back muscles. In addition, it can contribute to tension headaches and other musculoskeletal issues.
Prolonged Sitting Can Lead To The Shortening Of Several Muscles
1. Hip Flexors:
Prolonged sitting can lead to tight hip flexors, specifically the iliopsoas muscle group. These muscles are responsible for flexing the hip joint and are engaged when you lift your knee toward your chest. When you sit for extended periods, these muscles remain shortened, leading to tightness and restricted hip mobility.
2. Hamstrings:
A group of muscles located at the back of the thigh are termed Hamstring Muscles. They help bend the knee and extend the hip. When you sit for a long time, the hamstrings are in a shortened position, which can lead to tightness and limit your range of motion.
3. Gluteal Muscles:
These muscles in your buttocks are responsible for hip extension, abduction, and external rotation. Sitting for extended periods can cause the gluteal muscles to become weak and underactive, sometimes called “gluteal amnesia” or “dead butt syndrome.”
4. Chest Muscles:
Sitting for long periods, especially when hunched over a computer or phone, can lead to tight chest muscles, specifically the pectoralis major and minor. This tightness can cause rounded shoulders and poor posture.
Conclusion –
Health hazards from prolonged-sitting can have severe consequences for your health, but there are steps you can take to mitigate these hazards. By taking regular breaks, investing in a comfortable chair, using a standing desk, exercising regularly, and stretching regularly, you can reduce the risk of health problems associated with prolonged sitting.