Don't Just Sit There!

We know sitting too much is bad, and most of us feel a little guilty after a long TV binge. But what exactly goes wrong in our bodies when we park ourselves for nearly eight hours per day? Many things occur, below are a list of just a few areas your body is affected by constant sitting. 

Trouble at the Top

Moving muscles pump fresh blood and oxygen through the brain and trigger the release of all sorts of brain and mood enhancing chemicals. When we are sitting  for a long time every

thing slows including brain function. 

When you are sitting at work, your neck is constantly strained and craning forward to use your keyboard or phone which can strain the cervical vertebrae and lead to imbalances. The neck can also cause the shoulders to slouch which leads to neck and upper back pain quickly.

Bad Back

Spines that don't move become inflexible and susceptible to damage in mundane activities, such as when you reach for a coffee cup or bend over to pick up a piece of paper. When you are walking around, soft discs like sponges, soaking up fresh blood and nutrients. When we sit for a long time, discs are squashed unevenly and lose sponginess. Collagen hardens around supporting tendons and ligaments. People who sit more are at a greater risk for herniated lumbar discs.

Muscle Degeneration 

When you stand, move, or even sit up straight, abdominal muscles keep you upright. But when you slump in a chair, they go unused. Tight back muscles and wimpy abs form a posture wrecking alliance that can damage the spine's natural arch. 

So, what can we do? Dr. Gallentine recommends.....

• Stretching the hip! - For three minutes do a hip exercise by doing a basic lunge. 
• Take Breaks! - You need to get up every so often and walk around, your body will thank you. 
• Alternate between sitting & standing. - At your workstation, if you can, switch back and forth to give your body the movement it needs. If you are unable to do that, try standing every half hour or so and walk.
• Do yoga poses. - Yoga can be great for not only your body but overall well being. Some yoga poses to do would be the cow or cat pose.

As always, Dr. Gallentine would love for you to be feeling your best as soon as possible so don't forget to see your chiropractor. Chiropractic can get your spine back to where it should be and help get you out of pain quicker. Call our office today at (513)469-6400.