How Too Much Sitting Can Affect Your Back and Neck
Are you experiencing lower back pain in Boise ID? This is a frequent issue for individuals who spend extended hours sitting. Many workers are confined to desks, limiting their movement throughout the day. Our chiropractors at Advantage Spine and Disc in Boise ID frequently advise those who sit for prolonged periods to stand up and stretch regularly.
The American Medical Association has recently acknowledged this concern and is taking steps to address it for employees. They have recommended that employers create alternative work arrangements to help prevent lower back pain associated with excessive sitting.
A Nation of Obese Sitters
Sadly, prolonged sitting has led to an increase in obesity and related health issues. The average person engages in numerous activities that involve sitting. Whether you’re dining, watching TV, working, gaming, driving, or browsing online, you are likely to be seated.
Research from Duke University found that employees with a BMI exceeding 40 filed twice as many workers’ compensation claims. Additionally, these individuals incurred medical expenses that were 7 percent higher than those with a lower BMI and were 13 times more likely to miss work compared to their non-obese counterparts.
Tools to Combat the Sitting Epidemic in Boise ID
The American Heart Association is advocating for a new tool designed to help reduce obesity by encouraging people to avoid sitting for extended periods. This tool is an app called Hotseat, developed by Fran Melmed. The app allows users to sync it with their work schedule and set reminders for short 2-minute breaks throughout the day.
Another effective solution is the treadmill desk, which can help alleviate lower back pain. This setup enables employees to work while walking on a treadmill. Additional strategies to reduce the risk of lower back discomfort include taking walks after meals and parking farther from your workplace entrance.
If you have questions or need more information, please reach out to our chiropractic team at Advantage Spine and Disc today.