Living a sedentary lifestyle can affect your body in more ways than one. If you work an office job and find yourself sitting at a desk for many hours a day, you have probably felt back pain and neck pain from time to time. Read this quick guide to learn how sitting affects your body and what you can do to prevent pain and long-term health consequences.

How Can Sitting Affect Your Body? 

1. Poor Posture

When you are sitting at a desk, you may find yourself hunched over your computer several times a day. Slouching can cause muscle tension over time, which can lead you to have a permanent hunch in your back and neck and continual back pain. Texting on your cell phone can also cause you to consistently lean forward, being unable to keep your shoulders back and head high, which is integral to good posture. 

2. Headaches

Sitting for long periods of time can actually cause headaches in the workplace. Putting too much pressure on your tailbone, back, and neck, can cause a lot of tension to build up in your head, neck, and shoulders. Tension headaches can be painful and can limit your productivity at work, especially if you don’t have any over-the-counter pain medication on hand. 

3. Back and Neck Pain 

Your spine, shoulders, and hips can accumulate a lot of tension while sitting for long periods of time. This is exacerbated by bad posture, which can lead to a weak core and tight hip flexors. Tension and pressure in your spine can cause recurring back pain and even numbness in your glutes. 

How Can You Prevent Pain From Excessive Sitting?

Take note of how long you sit and get up and move around during the workday. Whether that looks like walking to lunch, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to a colleague's desk instead of sending them an email, or using your lunch break to go to the gym, it's important that you extend your spine and allow it to decompress. 

Consider investing in a standing desk that allows you more mobility throughout the workday. If you tend to wear heels to work, opt for a flatter shoe next time to protect your back even more. You can also have your chair changes for a more ergonomic design. These offer more lumbar support and adjustment settings to properly fit the inward curve of the lower back.

If you are looking for a chiropractor to help alleviate back pain in the Spanish Fort, AL area, choose Malbis Chiropractic. Specializing in shockwave therapy, Malbis Chiropractic also offers physical therapy, auto injury treatments, and chiropractic adjustments to leave you feeling happier, healthier, and tension-free. Call them today at (251) 625-4777 or visit them online to request a consultation with a chiropractor.