Why Working a Desk Job is Hazardous to Your Health
While most of us can recall the moment we receive an instantly painful injury (stubbing a toe, slipping on ice), those suffering from chronic pain have more difficulty pinpointing the exact cause of the discomfort.
What if I told you that two things you do on the daily might be causing your pain…two things totally unavoidable?
Believe it or not, sitting and standing can lead to a whole slew of ailments if your posture isn’t correctly aligned. If you are one of the millions of people who sit at a desk from 9 to 5, you may be damaging your whole body by sitting incorrectly.
I recently came across a great article that offers a visual explanation for how slouching and other posture issues can be deadly and felt inspired to touch on this in my blog. After all, sitting and standing are something most of us do each day!
First let’s address some of the most common issues that can result from bad posture:
Organ Damage
If you are sitting constantly, your muscles will naturally burn less fat and blood while flow more slowly through the body. This, in turn, can lead to fatty acids clogging the arteries of the heart over time, leading to heart disease. Additionally, your pancreas may become overproductive as a result of inactivity. That’s because insulin is released from the pancreas with the intent that it will be used as energy. When you are sitting for long periods of time, that energy isn’t being used. The pancreas than may overcompensate by producing more, thinking the body is not in motion because it does not have enough energy. Too much insulin production can of course lead to other health conditions including diabetes.
Back Problems
The spine is made to be flexible and move freely. Once this motion is neglected in the majority of daily activities, you may start to develop an inflexible spine. The soft disks (which are located between the vertebrae) absorb shock by expanding and contracting when we move around, similar to a sponge. The longer we become inactive, the soft disks lose their sponginess. Additionally, collagen can develop around ligaments and tendons supporting the body. These issues put you at higher risk for injuring your back during everyday tasks like washing the dishes, reaching for something on a top cabinet or tying your shoe laces.
Disk damage is another common problem caused by bad sitting posture. Inactivity puts you are an increased risk for a herniated disk.
Muscle Loss
This one is probably the most common issue we associate with inactivity but we have more to worry about here than pure vanity. Aside from losing muscle tone, you may experience a softening of the abdominal region, hip tightness and softened glutes. These issues can lead to further alignment problems since you don’t have a solid supporting base.
Additional dangers include soreness in the back and shoulders, neck strain and even difficulty concentrating due to lack of blood and oxygen being pumped throughout our bodies.
Now that you know the complications, here are some ideas for keeping your body healthy without having to quit your 9 to 5:
- Don’t cross your legs while sitting – this is a hard one for many to break the habit of but in correct posture you should have your ankles out in front of your needs and there should also be a gap between your chair and the back part of your knees.
- While standing your feet should be shoulder-width apart
- Keep your shoulders back and use your ab muscles to keep your belly from pushing out.
- Avoid walking on your heels, rather direct your weight to the balls of your feet.
- Try switching out your office chair with an exercise ball. This will help your abs stay engaged.
- Get up every hour or so and walk around, stretch…even do an exercise or two in order to get the blood flowing freely back to your brain.
- Don’t lean forward to get closer to your screen.
- Continue regular chiropractic appointments.
Do you have any of your own tips or techniques for staying healthy while working a desk job? We would love to hear it! Also, feel free to ask me about particular exercises you can do at home to keep your spine healthy.
- Sources:
1. Nicholos Chiropractic
2. Lifehack.org
- Published in Uncategorized
Debunking Myths: 6 False Chiropractic Claims You’ve Probably Heard
As with all areas of medicine, there will always be those who are for a practice and those opposed to a practice. This is nothing new. In fact, there have been debates regarding the handling of treatments since back in the days of widespread Chinese medicine and even more today as new health practices emerge.
I understand some people are scared to come in for their first adjustment. While I know that I am benefiting their health, not hurting it in any way, I don’t discount their fears. After all, I am continuously hearing new and different myths about adjustments and in an effort to highlight the truth about chiropractic care, I’ve decided to lay some of the most common myths to rest. I am always willing to answer any and all questions regarding what I do!
- MYTH: Getting adjusted is dangerous and painful
FACT: This is probably the most common objection people have when it comes to chiropractic care. Countless studies have shown that being adjusted is actually one of the least risky medical appointments you can go to. Of course it is necessary for you to be adjusted by a licensed chiropractor.One common commissioned study from the Ontario Ministry of Health released the following conclusion:“There is no clinical or case-control study that demonstrates or even implies that chiropractic spinal manipulation is unsafe in the treatment of low-back pain. Some medical treatments are equally safe, but others are unsafe and generate iatrogenic (doctor-induced) complications for low-back pain patients. Our reading of the literature suggests that chiropractic manipulation is safer than medical management of low-back pain.”
Many forms of pain management, including taking prescription painkillers, are associated with damage to internal organs and have a potential for reliance on the medication which could lead to abuse. Chiropractic care is a natural form of pain management and preventative care.
All doctors must pay for malpractice insurance but did you know that chiropractors are charged less than any other kind of doctor? That’s because there are far fewer lawsuits involving complications for chiropractic care.
- MYTH: Chiropractic appointments are not affordable
FACT: Insurance often covers appointments and research shows that those who receive consistent chiropractic care actually visit their physician for medical issues less frequently than their peers who do not get adjusted. In addition to seeing the doctor less often, many chiropractic patients also avoid having to take costly medications. They turn to adjustments for many of their ailments and therefore eliminate the need for expensive and often dangerous medications. - MYTH: If you get adjusted once you are locked in to getting adjusted forever
FACT: You are certainly under no obligation to continue seeing a chiropractor the rest of your life after an adjustment…however many patients feel so great that they do make chiropractic care a part of their life.I will of course make recommendations on the best course of treatment but you, as the patient, are always the one to make the decision. You can come in as often as you want or once a year if that is your preference. Frequent adjustments are often most beneficial but they are in no way mandatory. - MYTH: Chiropractors aren’t “real doctors”
FACT: I’ve heard this myth frequently and it couldn’t be any further from the truth. Often people question what they are not familiar with because it makes them apprehensive and that can lead to myths such as this one. Did you know that chiropractors require 2,887 education class hours while the typical medical doctor is only required to take 2,756 hours? Chiropractors are educated in the workings of the body and mind. The hours and education required are extensive and even pending graduation, a student must spend hundreds of hours in real clinic settings before being able to practice. - MYTH: The ‘popping’ sound comes from your bones rubbing together
FACT: Patients may hear a popping sound but this is simply caused by gases expanding in the joint space as it opens. Also, you may not hear anything during an adjustment. This simply depends what method is being used and your course of treatment. - MYTH: You should never get your children adjusted
FACT: Getting your infants and children adjusted is one of the best things you can do!Many are surprised to hear that I adjust babies. When you consider the trauma a tiny little body undergoes in the birthing process, it’s no surprise that the body requires alignment. The process is a safe one and of course the pressure used is adjusted for their tiny size. As a general rule of thumb, when adjusting a baby the amount of pressure is comparable to the pressure you could comfortably apply to your eyeball without causing pain.
Have you heard any other chiropractic myths that you would like debunked? Just let me know!
- Published in Uncategorized
- 1
- 2