Sitting: The New Health Epidemic in New York City and America

Recent studies show that people who sit for prolonged periods of time, whether because of work or general inactivity, have a higher risk of developing back, neck, and spinal injuries that can in turn cause ailments in other parts of the body. 

This is due to the added pressure spinal discs endure when the body remains in a seated position for extended periods.  The spine is the body’s control panel and all organs are connected to it, and prolonged sitting has been linked to diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and more.

Prolonged sitting has also been linked to early death due to physical inactivity.  Studies show that early mortality rates for people who sit for 6 or more hours per day are 94% higher than people who stand or move frequently during the workday.  Additionally, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease is approximately 82% higher for those who sit for prolonged periods.

To reduce these risks, as well as to prevent back and neck injuries, the simplest and most effective solution is to cut back on sitting time.  “Desk jockeys” may do this by standing up to stretch or take short walks every 30-60 minutes, alternating sitting and standing throughout the work day. An even better solution would be for companies to invest in standing desks, which allow workers to engage and strengthen their core muscles while working on their computers.  Overall health will begin to improve simply by spending less time sitting each day and keeping the body active.

For patients who suffer from back or neck pain due to prolonged sitting, chiropractic care is one of the most effective tools available to alleviate pain and preventing further injury. When spinal discs are under excessive pressure, subluxation may occur, causing pain, discomfort, numbness, and in some cases loss of normal motion in one or more areas of the body. Following a thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause of pain and its location along the spine, Dr. Shoshany is able to decompress the affected nerves, discs, and soft tissue, providing long-term pain relief without the use of prescription medication or risky surgical procedures.  Chiropractic adjustments may also be combined with supplementary treatments offered by Dr. Shoshany’s licensed staff, including medical massage therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, cold laser therapy, kinesio taping, acupuncture, and more.

For additional information on back pain treatment for patients who engage in prolonged sitting, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shoshany, please visit www.drshoshany.com.