-- People have come to the realisation that the world has evolved over many centuries to stand upright and not to sit! In an age of rapid changes in technology, the population has become increasingly sedentary. Many workers are now using standing desks or sit-stand desks at the workplace in an attempt to avoid the side effects of sitting for prolonged periods. When inundated with work deadlines it is difficult to break out of the zone and stand up give the body a break.
Patients are always asking for advice on standing desks and whether it would help them. If used in the correct way, our answer is yes, they can be helpful. The idea of the standing desk is to reduce the time spent in a potentially detrimental sitting position and to increase the amount of body movement throughout the day. However, just because you’re standing doesn’t mean that all your problems are solved. Standing incorrectly, leaning on one leg, or for too long can have negative effects on the body also. There isn’t a clear win! The optimal way to use a sit-stand desk is to alternate in cycles of 30-60 minutes, changing positions from sitting to standing alternatively throughout the day. This will help reduce the biomechanical load placed on muscles and joints. When standing, ensure that your weight is placed evenly through both feet, your core is activated and you’re looking straight ahead.
There are a number of negative effects that are associated with prolonged sitting, these include:
+ There is increased biomechanical load placed on the structures surrounding the spine and pelvis which can lead to pain and injury.
+ Other general health issues include increased risk of heart disease, unhealthy blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes, being overweight and obese.
So how to explain how these negative effects occur? For all of the effects excluding increased biomechanical load, it is thought that prolonged sitting causes muscles to burn less fat for energy and reduced blood flow. Both of these factors can increase the risk of heart disease and hypertension (high blood pressure) as well as other problems. Prolonged sitting increases the mechanical load displaced throughout the structures of the spine, especially the discs. The more slumped we sit the greater the force throughout the disc. Over long periods of time this can cause trauma and damage the disc, which increases the chance of injury. Muscles become tight and ligaments can become stretched which can also lead to pain.
How can these negative effects be avoided? There are a number of techniques one can try to help keep active and mobile at work, these include:
+ Install a standing desk or a sit stand desk at work.
+ Set reminders to get up and move regularly.
+ When taking calls in the office stand up or walk and talk
+ Go for a walk at lunch.
The key message is to keep moving!
To learn more about Advanced Care Chiropractic and the services offered by Dr Nishanian, visit their website here: Advanced Care Chiropractic
About Advanced Care Chiropractic
Dr Zak Nishanian is the principal Sydney Chiropractor at the Advanced Care Chiropractic clinics, located in the Sydney CBD and Sydney’s Inner West.
He has been in private practice since 1996 and qualifications include a Bachelor of Science majoring in Anatomy and Physiology at UNSW, and a Masters Degree in Chiropractic at Macquarie University. Additional post graduate training undertaken includes, the refining of different Chiropractic techniques, management of specific sporting injuries, diagnosis and management of different headaches, and the prescription of custom made orthotics.
Dr Zak has GPs, physiotherapists, and neurologists as patients. Previously, he was the head trainer/therapist for the Warringah Dolphins State League soccer team.
Advanced Care Chiropractic has had the privilege of treating many everyday Australians and their families, several of the countries sporting elite, as well as some of the country’s most successful business men and women. They offer gentle and effective care with all treatments specifically tailored to suit the individual’s patient needs.
Release ID: 478212