If you’re like most Americans, chances are you sit during your morning commute, while at work, on your return commute, and some more on your couch to relax after the long day. While this may seem harmless enough, your back will disagree sooner or later. If you’re dealing with the repercussions of sitting too much, our chiropractic clinic in Portland can help.

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How Can Sitting Be Dangerous?

Most people are surprised to learn that a sitting position actually doubles the amount of pressure on your spine. This stress is only amplified if you do so with poor posture.

Patients at Hazelwood Healthcare have experienced problems related to prolonged sitting such as:

The Shortening of Hip Flexors

It’s fairly straightforward, if you sit often your hip flexors will become less flexible. Over time, maintaining good posture becomes nearly impossible.

Unbalanced Hips

Sitting with your legs crossed over time can cause an imbalance in the pelvic region and lead to a loss of flexibility.

Forward Pelvic Tilt

The gluteus muscles are your largest, so if they fail to get much exercise the entire body must overcompensate to remain balanced.

Constant Back Pain

Persistent sitting and bad posture seem to go hand in hand. It’s not long after when the body becomes too stressed to compensate and begins aching.

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What to Do to Avoid Sitting

It can often seem like sitting is inevitable. However, research suggests that the real challenge is to focus on offsetting all the sitting you do with more exercise. To increase the amount of exercise you do during your busy day:

• Stand at your desk when possible
• Opt for the stairs
• Go to water jug often
• Go for a walk during your lunch break

For more tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle, contact Hazelwood Healthcare in Portland today.