Is Sitting really the new Smoking? The answer is Yes.
Several studies have been published that show significant health risks for people who sit for long periods of time. One study compared adults who spent less than two hours a day in front of a TV or computer screen to a group of adults that averaged over 4 hours a day or more of recreational screen time. The group with the greater time spent sitting in front of a TV or computer for recreation, had nearly a 50% increased risk of death from any cause. This group sitting for over 4 hours had about a 125% increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as chest pain (angina) or heart attacks. This increased risk, due to sitting, was a separate risk from other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure or smoking
Sitting for more than 8 hours a day was also linked to a 90% increase in developing type 2 diabetes. A research study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology concluded that women who sit for 10 hours or more a day may have a significant increased isk of developing heart disease that women who sit for 5 hours or less per day. At the 2015 Inaugural Working Summit research finding were presented that concluded that sitting increased the risk for colon cancer 30%, Lung cancer 53% and Uterine cancer by 66%.
Dr. Neil Skolnik, M.D. wrote in the Cleveland Clinical Journal of Medicine, " A recent scientific advisory stated that the elimination of health risk behaviors, including poor-quality diet, excess energy intake, physical inactivity and smoking might prevent 80 percent of heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as 40 percent of cancers." He stated that sedentary time confers an increased risk of mortality.
Prolonged sitting has been shown to cause an increased risk for low back pain. There is approximately 70% more weight on the lumbar discs in the sitting position when compared to standing. Movement helps replenish nutrients to the disc and this slows down degenerative disc disease. Back pain can be caused by serious health conditions and they should not be ignored. See your doctor of chiropractic or your medical doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
1. Back pain that increases with coughing, sneezing or straining at the toilet indicates a disc herniation.
2. Back pain that extends down your leg is know as sciatica may be due to a disc herniation or disc bulge.
3. Numbness tingling or weakness in the arms or legs can result in permanent nerve damage.
4. Back pain associated with loss of control of your bladder or bowels requires immediate medical help. This may be due to a condition called cauda equine syndrome.
5.Spinal pain accompanied by fever, or pain during urination may indicate an infection.
Please contact Dr. Greg L. Crawford D.C., D.A.B.C.O. for additional information at Foothills Chiropractic. 1337 East Prospect Road Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 493-2105 http://ftcollinschiropractor.com
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005