A study from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute gained major media attention last year when the results showed that extended sitting is leading to major diseases. This study spiked articles such as “Sitting is the New Smoking” and “Ways Sitting is Shortening your Life.” But what exactly is sitting doing to us and what can we do about it? This blog will go over these questions and give you some easy stretches that you can do at your desk to get moving.
How does prolonged sitting effect us?
1. Cancer. The study associates a sedentary lifestyle with an increased risk of certain types of cancer. These cancers included colon, endometrial, and lung.
2. Depression. Those with a majorly sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk of developing depression. Women who sat for 7 hours per day or more are 47% more likely to develop depression than those that sat for 4 or fewer hours.
3. Frequent muscular aches and pains. This should come as no surprise. You know that holding your body in one position for extended periods of time puts stress and strain on your muscles, ligaments, and joints. We as chiropractors get your joints moving and going through their full range of motion which is why regular wellness care is so important.
4. Obesity. Again, not a surprise here. Those that do not exercise regularly are at a higher risk of being or becoming obese. Also, sitting interferes with LPL (lipoprotein lipase) which is an enzyme that breaks down fat. When LPL is not being released, fat is stored instead of being broken down and used as energy.
As you can see, we are really doing our body and health a disservice by allowing our lives to be so sedentary. Working at a computer all day, driving in the car, and watching T.V. when we get home are all contributing to our declining health. Chiropractic care can relieve pain associated with sitting and make moving easier.