Sitting Disease

Computer-based jobs may be popular these days, but they are not without their risks. If your job requires prolonged sitting or you lead an overall sedentary life, then you need to know about sitting disease. Sitting disease isn’t a clinical diagnosis. Rather, it’s a widespread phenomenon that causes real consequences for one’s health. A growing body of research reveals that sitting for hours in a computer chair every day significantly increases the risk of life-threatening, chronic diseases, lower back pain, and neck pain. The risks of sitting disease are alarming, but a chiropractor can help you address your sedentary ways. Back to Back Chiropractic in San Jose welcomes inquiries from new and current patients about using chiropractic care to prevent and treat sitting disease.

Could You Have Sitting Disease?

Our chiropractors conduct comprehensive assessments of each patient to develop a keen understanding of his or her health risks, concerns, lifestyle, and medical history. We’ll ask you to tell us the specifics of the onset of your symptoms to determine if sitting disease could be the underlying cause. Generally, anyone who has a tech-based job that requires prolonged sitting is at risk of sitting disease. The possible signs of sitting disease include the following:

  • Back and neck pain: Prolonged sitting, especially in a non-ergonomic chair, exerts unhealthy stress on the soft tissues and bones of the neck and back. If you use poor posture, the effects are even more noticeable. The use of a slouched position causes straining of the spinal ligaments, discs, and muscles. The soft tissues get tight and lose their flexibility, strength, and range of motion. If you often experience lower back pain and neck pain, it’s time to talk to a chiropractor about sitting disease.
  • Fatigue and poor concentration: Sitting may seem like an unlikely cause of fatigue. After all, it doesn’t require much effort. However, it’s precisely this lack of effort that causes fatigue. Physical movements stimulate healthy blood circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout the body—including the brain. You’ll find that getting moving again with the help of a chiropractor gives your energy levels a boost.
  • Weight gain: Since sitting fails to activate the muscles and get the blood pumping, it burns very few calories. Years of working in a computer chair will readily add extra pounds to your frame, which further worsens your back pain by stressing the spine.

Health Risks of Sitting Disease

Sitting disease causes many health problems aside from back pain, fatigue, and weight gain. What’s even more alarming is that exercising regularly won’t cancel out the effects of sitting for hours each day. Prolonged sitting can increase the risk of the following:

  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attack
  • Abnormal cholesterol levels
  • Cancer
  • Premature death

Now that you’re aware of the risks, you may be motivated to take steps to preserve your health.

Chiropractic Care for At-Risk Patients

The chiropractors at Back to Back Chiropractic can use a number of treatment modalities for patients with sitting disease. Hands-on therapies such as spinal adjustments and soft tissue mobilization will bring rapid pain relief and correct the underlying structural problems. You can also receive lifestyle counseling, which may include the following:

  • Selecting an ergonomic chair
  • Using proper posture
  • Doing exercises at your desk for muscle activation
  • Modifying your work habits and schedule

At Back to Back Chiropractic, we’re on a mission to improve the wellness and quality of life of individuals throughout San Jose. Call us at (408) 269-2225 to find out how we can help you combat sitting disease, back pain, and poor posture.