Six Health Risks Associated With Sitting For Your Neck and Back

Cassandra Briscoe

Blog Writer

Six Health Risks Associated With Sitting For Your Neck and Back

We were not meant to sit for hours on end, but most people spend many or most hours of their day sitting. This can lead to many health issues, but some of them can be reversed and your body will thank you for it in the long run.

Sitting puts a lot of stress on your back and neck. The longer you sit, the more tense your back becomes, causing discomfort when you stand. Sitting for long periods affects your hips, knees, and feet. They get stiff over time and may lead to aches or numb feet when you try to walk.

Here are 6 health risks linked to sitting:

1. Back, hip, and neck pain

Many people who sit for long periods of time experience back, hip, and neck pain or tightness. No matter how physically healthy you may be, sitting for too long causes these muscles to tighten up and could lead to bigger issues down the road.

2. Depression and anxiety

If you are sitting all day rather than moving or exercising, you are at a higher risk of experiencing depression and anxiety. Studies show that the more you move around throughout the day, the happier you are.

3. Obesity and related problems

Obesity or general weight gain can result when sitting too long because you’re burning fewer calories. Movement allows your body to release molecules that process the fat and sugars you eat. When you’re in a sedentary position for too long, inflammation and increased cholesterol levels are also common.

4. Weak muscles and bones

Sitting is often associated with weakened muscles and fragile bones. When you stand and walk, your bones benefit from the stretching. Moving about also strengthens your leg and glute muscles, preventing future injuries which is especially important when you get older.

5. Risk of diabetes

Studies have shown that sitting for long periods of time can change the body’s metabolism and lead to increased insulin resistance, thereby putting you at risk for diabetes. By reducing the time you spend sitting, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

6. Circulation issues

As you’re sitting, your body must work harder to pump blood throughout it. Sitting for too long can cause your ankles to swell. In some cases, this can lead to blood clots. It is important to get up and move around to ensure healthy circulation.

How to Avoid These Issues

Many of the above conditions are preventable if you are aware and conscious of how you treat your body. It’s best to reduce the time you spend sitting whenever possible. However, if you have a job that requires you to sit at a desk for long periods of time, here’s what you can do

Get up from your desk from time to time
Go for a walk
Meditate
Drink water
Do stretches (especially for your shoulders and neck) at your desk

It is important to keep your body active, as it improves your overall health.

Conclusion

At GSGF, we aim to educate everyone about healthy living for our bodies and the environment. Check out our shop to purchase sustainable products to help combat muscle aches from sitting for too long.