Some people say that sitting in an office all day is death. Well, as it turns out, it’s not an exaggeration. Sitting for long periods of time can be as bad for you as smoking. Sedentary lifestyles have become common in recent years, despite the preponderance of gyms and high sales of workout gear.

As spine care professionals, we’d like to inform you about the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle. Here are five health problems that can result from not giving your body the activity it needs to function properly:

• Chronic Aches & Pains

Sitting in your bad office chair for 8 hours daily forces your spine into a strange, unnatural position that puts pressure on your shoulders, neck, and upper back. Bad chairs also cause slouching, which, as it becomes a habit, contributes to knots in your muscles and chronic pain.

To counteract this, get up and move around as much as possible during the day. Do stretches that release tension during your lunch break, and consider buying a quality ergonomic chair.

• A Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

This can cause elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, and in severe cases, blood clots. Studies show that being inactive for long periods can lead to heart disease and stroke. Prevent these things by walking on your lunch break or taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.

• Slow Metabolism & Weight Gain

It stands to reason that if you get very little activity during the day, eventually you’ll put on weight. Sitting for many hours each day robs you of hours you could spend getting much-needed cardio. You also don’t burn many calories while sitting, so those fast food lunches you enjoy will add weight that much faster. Some people call this problem “secretary spread.”

Keep your metabolism working at a higher rate by moving around at least once an hour, doing exercises at your desk, or joining a gym near the office for lunchtime workouts.

• Depression

Humans weren’t designed to sit for several hours a day. Our bodies feel their best after physical activity and stay healthier, too. But did you know that not being active causes your brain to idle, resulting in mood disorders in the long term?

This is how a lack of physical activity sometimes leads to mild depression. The added weight from being sedentary doesn’t help your mood either. If you’re not feeling your best mentally, try activities that focus on mental well-being, like yoga, running, or dancing to your favorite music.

• Lower Life Expectancy

In short, the longer you sit, the shorter your life. Studies have found a connection between inactive lifestyles and higher mortality rates. If this won’t motivate you to find an activity you enjoy, we don’t know what will!

Beginning a physical activity like walking in the forest, biking, or jogging will add years to your life, but you must start now.

Conclusion

Not having an activity you enjoy regularly can not only rob you of your health, but it can also take years off your life. Even walking on your lunch break can help deter a sedentary lifestyle’s potential mental and physical health issues.

Help Your Body Achieve Optimal Wellness at Spine Center Atlanta

Being inactive for long periods can wreak havoc on spine health, affecting overall wellness. To counteract the damage from a sedentary lifestyle, see the expert team at Spine Center Atlanta. We’re dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthier way of life.

If you’re already suffering pain and discomfort from sitting for hours on end, schedule a spine assessment with one of our licensed specialists. We can realign your spine to its natural position and help your body unlock its natural ability to heal. Pain and lack of mobility from sitting in an office are something we treat every day. We can help you too!

Contact Us

Our knowledgeable team is waiting to assist you. Contact us today and schedule your initial assessment and get your health back on track.