Many of us spend much work time sitting at a desk/station every day. The damage to the spine and body can turn into a chronic condition. Chiropractic can reverse the sedentary effects of too much sitting and not enough moving. Between work and relaxation time, an individual can spend 8 to 16 hours a day sitting, often with poor posture. The body needs to stay active to maintain health and high quality of life.

Sitting Too Much

Being sedentary can affect the body’s total health. Some of these effects include:

• Heightened increase in the risk of chronic diseases, like heart disease and diabetes
• Chronic pain
• Poor flexibility
• Spinal misalignment
• Lower metabolism
• Weight Gain can lead to obesity, straining the organs and joints
• Bone health diminishment increases the risk of osteoporosis
• Increased risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression
• Increased risk of certain cancers, specifically colon and breast

Chiropractic

Chiropractors are experts in spine health. The spine’s integrity is at an increased risk when most of the day is spent sitting and slumping. When the body gets tired from being in one position too long, poor posture and awkward positioning begin to develop. When posture is affected, the body’s health is also affected. This includes chronic spine misalignment that can cause chronic pain conditions. Spine misalignments brought on by too much sitting can be subtle and difficult to detect without the help of a professional. Through chiropractic, the body’s own healing potential is released and increased.

Proper Spine Alignment Reverse Sedentary Effects

Once spinal alignment is restored, a chiropractor will guide the individual through the following steps to reverse the sedentary effects. They will make recommendations based on each individual’s specific lifestyle needs. In addition to chiropractic care, the treatment plan can include:

• Massage
• Exercise
• Stretches
• Health Coaching
• Nutritionist counseling

The objective is to reverse the sedentary effects and re-establish an individual’s optimal health. Individuals will feel energized and motivated to incorporate more activity and movement into their daily routines.

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Body Composition

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Maintaining Muscle Mass With Age-Healthy Benefits

• Muscle loss is associated with a reduced metabolic rate.
• This means gaining body fat because there is less muscle mass to burn calories.
• Increased body fat can plague individuals as they age.
• Loss of skeletal muscle mass is associated with increased insulin resistance. A known precursor of diabetes.

It is standard for older folks to rely on cardio workouts like running instead of strength training to help build and maintain muscle mass. Cardio has its own benefits. However, going out of the body’s comfort zone offers the greatest benefits. Strength training has no age limit. Regular strength training twice a week can be all an individual needs to reap the anti-aging benefits.

References

Biswas A, Oh PI, Faulkner GE, et al. Sedentary Time and Its Association With Risk for Disease Incidence, Mortality, and Hospitalization in Adults. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162:123-132. doi:10.7326/M14-1651. Accessed January 7, 2017.

Corliss J. Too much sitting linked to heart disease, diabetes, premature death. Harvard Health Blog. www.health.harvard.edu/blog/much-sitting-linked-heart-disease-diabetes-premature-death-201501227618. Published January 22, 2015. Accessed January 7, 2017.

Florido R, Michos E. Sitting Disease: Moving Your Way to a Healthier Heart. U.S. News & World Report. health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/09/14/sitting-disease-moving-your-way-to-a-healthier-heart. Published September 14, 2015. Accessed January 7, 2017.

O’Connor B. Sitting Disease: The New Health Epidemic. The Chopra Center Web site. www.chopra.com/articles/sitting-disease-the-new-health-epidemic. Accessed January 7, 2017.