Pain from Sitting Too Long? The Anatomy behind Prolonged Sitting
(Video Credit: Muscle and Motion, June 7, 2020, 2:08)
Healthy Work Solutions to Prolonged Sitting
Prolonged sitting can cause a variety of physical problems, including pain. Here are some of the common types of pain that can be caused by prolonged sitting:
- Lower back pain: Sitting for long periods can put a lot of pressure on your lower back, which can cause pain and discomfort. This is especially true if you have poor posture or a chair that doesn’t provide proper lumbar support.
- Neck and shoulder pain: When you sit for long periods, you may slouch forward, which can cause strain on your neck and shoulders. This can result in pain, stiffness, and even headaches.
- Hip pain: Sitting for extended periods can also lead to hip pain. As your hip flexor muscles can become tight and strained from being in a seated position for too long.
- Leg pain: Sitting for long periods can also affect blood flow and circulation in your legs, which can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling.
To alleviate the pain caused by prolonged sitting, you can try the following:
- Take frequent breaks: Get up and move around every 30 minutes to an hour. This can help to relieve pressure on your back and improve circulation.
- Use an ergonomic chair: Invest in a chair that is designed to support good posture and provide proper lumbar support.
- Stretch regularly: Take breaks to stretch your neck, shoulders, back, and legs to help relieve tension and improve circulation.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help to improve posture, strengthen muscles, and improve circulation, all of which can help to reduce the pain caused by prolonged sitting.
- Use a standing desk: If possible, switch to a standing desk. Also, you can alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting.
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