What Happens to a Body When You Sit for Hours on End

Ever wondered what those long hours sitting in front of the computer at work all day does to our bodies? Here are nine consequences that can result from this sedentary position:

1. Frail legs and “glutes.” Muscle atrophy is what happens when you don’t use muscles that support your body. Long periods of sitting weakens leg and thigh muscles, putting your body at higher risk of injury.

2. Weight gain. Lipoprotein lipase are molecules released by your body while moving; they help process nutrients from food. When you stay still all day, fewer molecules are released, increasing the likelihood of gaining weight.

3. Strained back and neck. Sitting for long periods (especially with poor posture) compresses discs in the spine, leading to premature degeneration. This also leads to chronic pain in the back and neck.

4. Stiff shoulders. Shoulders also suffer from strains to the cervical vertebrae, often creating sensations of soreness and stiffness.

5. Heart damage. Blood flow decreases and muscles burn less fat when you spend most of your days sitting. This makes it more likely for individuals to develop heart disease as fatty acids clog the heart.

6. Varicose veins. Blood inevitably pools in the legs when we sit for long periods, leading to the formation of varicose veins. Although not harmful, in rare cases varicose veings might lead to more serious conditions like blood clots.

7. Slow digestion. Abdominal contents compress when sitting, slowing digestion. Slow digestion leads to bloating, constipation, and dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract.

8. Weak bones. Bones also weaken from lack of exercise. This increases the chance of developing osteoporosis.

9. Mental effects. The risk of developing depression and anxiety is heightened in individuals who have jobs that call for sitting all day. Medical experts believe that mental and physical health are correlated.

The Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centres of Ontario recommends limiting sitting periods by finding opportunities to move, even while on the job. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking your car a few blocks from the building will provide opportunities to use your muscles and strengthen your body. While at your desk, take a brief break every 30 minutes to stand and stretch. To know more about what we do, contact us to book an appointment/consultation.