If your day to day involves sitting for more than six hours without breaks to stretch, and lacks regular exercise, you are living a sedentary lifestyle. This lifestyle can be a significant contributor to various diseases and health issues, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Keep reading to explore three of the most common health problems associated with sitting all day.

Chronic or Acute Pain

Sitting all day, especially if you don’t maintain proper posture, will cause the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your back and neck to tighten. As time goes on, this can cause chronic or acute neck, shoulder, hip, and back pain. To combat this pain, use an ergonomic chair or a sit-stand desk, take breaks every hour to walk around and stretch, and be mindful of your posture when seated. 

Changes in Bone Structure & Musculature

The longer you sit with your back arched forward, the more likely you are to cause permanent strain to your lower back. The discs in your lumbar vertebrae are more likely to bulge as well. A bulging or herniated disc can cause pain, inflammation, and nerve damage. Arching your neck all day to stare at a computer screen will increase the curvature of your neck, putting strain on the muscles and developing knots. 

Permanent Poor Posture

If you have poor posture while you’re sitting at a desk all day, there’s a chance that the effects to your spine will end up being permanent. You can develop muscle weakness, which means that the muscles that support your spine and proper movement can atrophy. Eventually, it will get harder and harder to sit or stand up straight.

Reduce the Strain on Your Body While Working

You can reduce the strain on your body while living a sedentary lifestyle by using ergonomic office equipment and a sit-stand desk. At HealthPostures, we carry a wide range of high quality, affordable ergonomic office equipment. To learn more about our ergonomic office furniture and equipment, just call us today at (800) 277-1841 or find a dealer online.