Sitting all day – whether at work, in meetings, or during a long commute – can surprisingly lead to back pain. It seems counterintuitive, right? Sitting feels passive and unlikely to cause strain. But in reality, sitting, especially with poor posture, can put a lot of stress on your spine and muscles. In fact, back pain from sitting at a desk is so common it has its own nickname: "office back pain."
The good news is that back pain from sitting is often preventable and treatable. Here's what you need to know:
Why Sitting Hurts Your Back
Our bodies were designed for movement. Sitting for long periods, like at a desk, reduces blood flow, stiffens joints, tightens muscles, weakens core muscles, and increases pressure on the discs in your spine. These discs act as cushions between your vertebrae, and the added pressure from sitting can lead to pain.
How Sitting Affects Your Posture
When you stand, your spine's natural curve keeps your vertebrae aligned. But sitting often leads to a flattened or even reversed curve, putting strain on those spinal discs. Additionally, sitting disengages our core muscles, leaving the burden of supporting our upper body to our lower back. This can lead to pain and tightness.
Symptoms of Back Pain from Sitting
The most obvious symptom is pain in your back, which may be dull and achy or sharp and sudden. You might also experience tightness and stiffness that limits your movement and flexibility. Left untreated, back pain from sitting can even lead to disc degeneration or herniation.
How to Fix Back Pain from Sitting
There are several ways to address back pain from sitting, including:
Ergonomics: Invest in a chair with good lumbar support and adjust your workstation so your feet are flat on the floor, knees at a 90-degree angle, and monitor at eye level. Consider a standing desk or a treadmill desk to encourage movement throughout the day.
Posture: Be mindful of your posture while sitting. Sit tall with your shoulders back and relaxed, and avoid slouching.
Movement: Take regular breaks (every 30-60 minutes) to stand up, stretch, and walk around. This improves circulation, reduces stiffness, and relieves pressure on your spine.
Stretching: Regularly incorporate stretches for your hamstrings, hip flexors, and core into your routine.
Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening your core and back muscles can improve your posture and support your spine better.
Considering OrthoMed for Back Pain
OrthoMed offers regenerative therapy as a potential treatment option for back pain. This non-surgical, minimally invasive approach uses your body's natural healing mechanisms to target the source of your pain. Unlike medications that simply mask pain, regenerative therapies aim to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation for long-term relief.
Types of Regenerative Treatments at OrthoMed
At OrthoMed, we offer a variety of regenerative therapies customized to your specific needs. These therapies work to improve and enhance damaged tissues, providing lasting pain relief.
Benefits of Regenerative Medicine for Back Pain
Regenerative medicine offered by OrthoMed can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue health in your back. The goal is to restore mobility and function, ultimately enhancing your quality of life.
Remember, you don't have to suffer from back pain caused by sitting. By making some changes to your workstation, incorporating movement into your day, and exploring potential treatment options like regenerative medicine, you can get back to feeling your best.
For more information visit, www.kNOwPAIN.com or call 941-371-7171 today
