Sedentary Lifestyle and Back Pain

Did you know that sitting all day is bad for your back? In fact, it’s one of the main causes of back pain. Leading a sedentary life can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and yes – back pain. If you’re struggling with back pain and lower back spasms, the first step is to make some changes to your lifestyle. In this article, we’ll discuss the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle and how you can start moving more to improve your health. 

How Sitting Can Impact Your Back

Most people associate sitting with resting. For that reason, they may be surprised to find out that too much sitting is actually a bad thing. For starters, sitting can cause the muscles in your back to weaken and the joints to stiffen. 

It’s also important to note that sitting in the same position for too long can lead to poor posture, which can put unnecessary strain on your spine. Over time, this can lead to chronic back pain and other problems, such as herniated discs. If you have a desk job or spend a lot of time sitting, be sure to take breaks often and move around to keep your back healthy.

How Much Sitting Is Too Much?

Let’s face it, sitting is a necessary part of many people’s daily lives so it may be unrealistic to completely avoid sitting. But how much is too much? According to research, sitting for more than four hours a day can increase your risk of early death by as much as 40%. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you take breaks throughout the day to move around and get your blood flowing. 

Even just standing up for a few minutes every hour can make a big difference. So if you find yourself sitting for long periods of time, make sure to take a break every now and then. Your health will thank you for it!

Is There Treatment for Back Pain Caused by a Sedentary Lifestyle?

Luckily, there are a number of treatments that can help alleviate the discomfort and improve your quality of life. First and foremost, it’s important to start moving around more frequently. Taking breaks to walk around every hour or so can help tremendously. Let’s talk about some of the other things you can do to help with relieving back pain caused by prolonged sitting. 

Invest in a Good Chair

If there’s nothing you can do about the amount of time you sit, there is something you can do about what you’re sitting on. Sitting in a chair that doesn’t provide proper support can aggravate existing pain and even lead to new problems. That’s why it’s important to invest in a good chair that will help reduce back pain. 

A well-designed chair will provide support for the lower back, helping to maintain proper alignment and preventing strain on the muscles and spine. Additionally, a good chair will be adjustable, so you can customize it to fit your body and provide the optimal level of support. Taking the time to find a quality chair that meets your needs can make a big difference in your overall comfort and well-being.

Regular Exercise

Exercise is a great way to relieve back pain caused by sitting. By stretching and strengthening the muscles in the back, exercise can help to reduce tension and improve your range of motion. Plus, regular exercise can help to prevent future episodes of back pain by keeping the muscles strong and flexible.

Massage Therapy 

Studies have shown that massage can be effective in relieving lower back pain, and it can also help to prevent future episodes of pain. Massage therapy relaxes muscles, increases blood flow, and helps to reduce inflammation. As a result, it can provide significant relief from the discomfort of back pain. If you are suffering from back pain caused by sitting, massage therapy may be an effective treatment option for you.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can be very effective in treating back pain caused by sitting. When you sit, your spine is in a flexed position, which can put pressure on the discs and nerves in your back. Over time, this can lead to pain and inflammation. 

Chiropractic adjustments can help to relieve this pressure and reduce pain. In addition, chiropractors may also recommend exercises and stretches that can help to improve your posture and strengthen the muscles around your spine. Consider contacting a chiropractor in Oshawa to discuss some of your treatment options. 

Stretching

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for back pain, many experts believe that regular stretching can help to ease discomfort. Stretching helps to lengthen and loosen the muscles, which can lead to improved flexibility and range of motion. In turn, this can help to reduce stiffness and pain. 

On top of that, stretching can also help to improve circulation and relieve tension. As a result, it is often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for back pain. While stretching may not completely eliminate all discomfort, it can often provide significant relief.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to ease a variety of ailments. Acupuncture can be effective in treating chronic back pain, as it helps to promote the release of pain-relieving hormones and reduce inflammation. 

Lastly, acupuncture can also help to improve mood and reduce stress levels, both of which can contribute to back pain. If you are suffering from chronic back pain, acupuncture may be worth considering as a treatment option.

We’ve Got Your Back!

There are quite a few sedentary lifestyle risks, but we’re more than happy to help you reduce them. At Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centres of Ontario, we offer physiotherapy in Oshawa as well as several other services.  Contact one of our locations today to learn more about what we can do to help.