In today’s modern world, we spend a lot of time sitting, whether it be in the car, at our desks at work, or in front of the TV at home. Modern technology has made our lives a lot easier and more convenient, but all of that rest can take a toll on a person’s health. However, there is hope for those who suffer from the effects of a sedentary lifestyle in the form of chiropractic care.
Understanding Sedentary Lifestyles
Studies have shown that the average person sits for around eight hours a day. This doesn’t necessarily mean people who live sedentary lifestyles are lazy or unmotivated; often, people’s jobs necessitate long amounts of time spent sitting at a desk or behind the wheel of a car.
Sedentary lifestyles, also known as “sitting disease,” are linked to a number of different health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Additionally, sedentary lifestyles can cause musculoskeletal issues, including tight hip flexors, lower back pain, and weak posture.
The Role of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care aims to improve an individual’s whole-body health through holistic methods and focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractors use adjustments and modulations to correct misalignments in the body resulting from sedentary habits. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractors can relieve pain, restore proper nerve function, and improve overall health.
Addressing Postural Imbalances
Good posture has a number of benefits to overall health. Improving one’s posture reduces back pain and increases one’s confidence and energy levels. On the other hand, those with incorrect posture experience muscle tension, pain, and fatigue.
Individuals who live sedentary lifestyles often have imbalances in their posture. Constantly hunching over a desk, laptop, or phone can result in rounded shoulders, weak core muscles, and forward head posture. Chiropractors have the skills and training necessary to identify and correct these problems, relieving patients’ pain and enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Alleviating Back and Neck Pain
Because improper sitting posture can put extra strain on the spine and surrounding muscles, back and neck pain are other common issues among those who live sedentary lives. Chiropractors are able to pinpoint the root cause of this pain and use targeted adjustments to restore proper alignment in the spine.
Promoting Spinal Health
Chiropractic care isn’t just useful for acute incidents. Regular chiropractic adjustments are a good idea for anyone, especially those who live sedentary lifestyles. Maintaining optimal spinal health can prevent serious spinal conditions from developing and decrease the risk of pain and disability.
Complementary Wellness Strategies
In addition to chiropractic care, individuals suffering from the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle may benefit from complementary wellness strategies. Chiropractors can recommend exercises that work in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments to improve patients’ overall quality of life.
These complementary strategies may include exercises to strengthen the core, stretches to improve flexibility and relieve tightness, ergonomic devices for one’s desk, and lifestyle modifications to incorporate more movement into one’s daily routines.
To live a healthier lifestyle, try these simple tips:
- When sitting for long periods of time, take a break and stand every 30 minutes.
- While watching television, playing video games, or using your phone, stand instead of sitting.
- If possible, use a standing desk for work. Additionally, you can place a small treadmill under your desk so you can exercise while you work.
Chiropractic Care from Elevate Wellness
Living a sedentary lifestyle can pose a significant threat to one’s health, wellness, and happiness. However, there are many steps people can take to be proactive about their health and limit these negative effects. Chiropractic care, in conjunction with lifestyle changes, exercises, and stretches, can make a big difference in the lives of individuals who spend a significant amount of time sitting or lying down.
If you’re struggling with postural imbalances, musculoskeletal pain, muscle weakness or tightness, or poor overall health due to a sedentary lifestyle, reach out to the professional team at Elevate Wellness. Our innovative treatments can address these issues and more. We treat patients of all ages who suffer from migraines and headaches, sciatica, whiplash, neuropathy, auto injuries, and sports injuries, empowering them to live more active, pain-free lives and restoring their vitality.
Proactivity is the best strategy when it comes to combating the issues that sedentary lifestyles can cause. Schedule an appointment at Elevate Wellness today before your problems have a chance to escalate. It’s never too late to make positive changes for a healthier future!