Sitting all day for some people can feel or even be natural to their day-to-day routine. Even though it may be comfortable, it does impact your spine in many ways. Some of the most detrimental things include increased disc pressure, musculoskeletal stiffness and weakness, poor posture, reduced circulation, chronic pain, and tightened hip flexors. All of these affect the spine negatively and can cause lack of blood flow, compression in your spine, bulging disc, and weakness in your supporting spine muscles overtime. There are things that can mitigate the damage and lessen discomfort or pain when sitting. Some of these include taking frequent breaks every 30-60 minutes, using proper ergonomics and making sure your chair supports your back properly, using a lumbar support pillow behind your lower back, and occasionally switching positions so the discomfort doesn’t continue while sitting. Sitting can be comfortable, but for the best posture and spine comfort always alternate between sitting and standing. Being in one position too long can be the main cause of most of these symptoms.
