Do You Know How to Sit?

Backaches and sciatica image.

We have become a society of “sitters.” We sit in front of our computers, in front of our televisions, at our desks, in cars and planes, in chairs reading… we sit and sit some more, day in and day out. Believe it or not, the way you sit can have a great impact on your health and well-being.

There’s even a condition called “Economy Class Syndrome” so named because it affects people who sit for long periods on aircraft. People sitting in tight, cramped seats may experience swollen ankles and Deep Vein Thrombosis, a condition that causes the formation of blood clots deep in the veins of the leg. If the clot breaks away and travels to the lung, well, you’ll be greeted at the gate by paramedics!

What can sitters do to avoid some of the health issues linked with sitting?

  • Adjust your chair and computer monitor, so that you are sitting as straight as you can. Ergonomic chairs are available to help maintain better posture

  • Make sure your back, neck, head and eyes are all facing forward in a straight line

  • Sitting in the same position for any length of time causes fatigue; shift your body weight from time to time and monitor your posture; make sure your chair is adjusted to the proper height.

  • Use a footrest to relieve pressure on your legs and thighs.

  • Get up periodically to walk, stretch your legs, and give yourself a break!

Many jobs require long periods of sitting. If you have one, and you experience frequent back pain, be sure to mention it the next time you’re in our practice. Getting up and moving around every so often, even for two minutes, or doing some “desk” exercises may help alleviate the strain on your neck and back. We can help!

Dr. Douglas  Asks some important questions of interest to Elk Grove residents - Chiropractor Elk Grove Dr. Douglas Asks...

What's the difference between sick care and health care?
Sick care is largely about relieving or suppressing symptoms. Health care is about improving performance. While sick care is about how you feel, health care is about how you function. Sick care is what you do to treat an obvious problem, and health care is what you do to avoid the problem and advance your well-being.
Where do most Elk Grove residents get their first subluxation?
Being born in a hospital is a common source of subluxation. Trauma from forceps delivery has been replaced with drugs, vacuum extraction, Cesarean section and births that are "scheduled" to fit the workweek routines of Ob-Gyns. That's why we recommend a chiropractic checkup for every Elk Grove newborn.