Sitting is the New Smoking | Chiropractor for Low Back Pain in Burien, WA
You may have come across the saying, “sitting is the new smoking.” We often discuss this in our office, especially when addressing the issues our patients face with lower back pain. This comparison stems from a significant shift in public health awareness, similar to how smoking was reevaluated decades ago. Initially, the dangers of smoking were underestimated, but as more information became available, attitudes towards smoking changed rapidly—for the better.
The Impact of Sedentary Lifestyles
In today’s digital age, many of us find ourselves tethered to computers and desks for the majority of the day. This sedentary lifestyle is starting to show health ramifications reminiscent of those seen from smoking. Being seated for extended periods doesn’t just affect the lower back by preventing discs from hydrating properly or causing muscle posture degradation; it goes much deeper, impacting our neurological health.
Neurological Consequences of Immobility
One lesser-known fact we emphasize is the relationship between spinal movement and brain activity. Regular spinal movement throughout the day is crucial for brain stimulation. When we remain static, our bodies—though appearing relaxed—can shift into a stress response mode. This includes increased blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and shallower breathing. Our physiological design isn’t adapted for prolonged immobility, which historically is a relatively new phenomenon in human behavior.
Strategies to Counteract the Effects of Sitting
Understanding the risks is the first step. To combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting, we encourage our patients to adopt healthier habits that integrate more movement into their daily routines. This could include setting regular reminders to stand up, using standing desks, or incorporating short walks throughout the day. These simple changes can significantly reduce the impact of sitting on both your lower back and overall brain health.
If you’re concerned about how sitting may be affecting your health, we’re here to help. At our clinic, we provide tailored strategies not only to alleviate back pain but also to enhance your overall health by promoting an active lifestyle. This approach helps prevent the insidious effects of what we now understand to be the new smoking—prolonged sitting.
