FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — We spend hours at our desks, whether it’s working from home or at the office.<\/p>\n
“We’re sitting 40 hours a week, behind a desk creating that sedentary lifestyle,” said Todd Martin, the president of PRO-PT Physical Therapy.<\/p>\n
Health experts add that sitting at home watching TV or scrolling through our phones also adds to a sedentary lifestyle. Martin explains the strain sitting can do to our bodies.<\/p>\n
“Sitting is actually two and half times harder on our back than standing is actually,” said Martin. “That right there alone tells you quite a bit of why low back is the number one complaint in a physician’s office.”<\/p>\n
Studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk for heart disease, obesity, cancer, and diabetes. That’s why it’s important to get up and move if you’re sitting for a long period of time.<\/p>\n
“The simplest thing you can do is, every hour, get up and walk a little bit,” said Martin. “Take a quick little short break and move around as much as possible if you’re sitting behind a desk.”<\/p>\n
Martin adds that doing light stretches can help. But sitting with good posture can also reduce strain on your back.<\/p>\n
“Sitting properly aligned absolutely can have that decreased pressure on your spine as well,” said Martin.<\/p>\n
Anyone can fall into a sedentary lifestyle. But Martin says if you’re making a change to be more active and are experiencing back pain, make sure to see your physician right away.<\/p>\n
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