Health Issues of Sedentary Jobs and How to Overcome Them
Like any sort of work, desk jobs can put strain on your body. Even if you’re not on your feet, sitting for long periods is not healthy for your spine or hips.
Also, desk jobs often involve computers or other equipment that require workers to repeatedly move their hands and arms. These lead to Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) that can become debilitatingly painful.
Sitting for prolonged periods, no matter the reason, is a sedentary lifestyle, which is associated with various health risks such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. This lack of physical activity can also weaken muscles and contribute to poor posture.
If you’re seated for most of the workday, aim to counteract these negative effects with an active lifestyle when you’re off work. As sitting puts pressure on your hips and spine, you can do certain exercises to relieve muscle tension and improve posture.
What health risks are associated with a desk job?
Musculoskeletal issues due to RSIs
Remaining seated for extended periods can strain your muscles and joints, particularly in the neck, shoulders, back, and wrists. These Repetitive Strain Injuries, also called Repetitive Stress Injuries, aren’t just an annoyance. More than 44 percent of adults with RSIs had to limit their activities, including work, for at least 24 hours. Over time, RSIs can lead to more serious musculoskeletal conditions that could require surgery or extended leave.
That’s why the field of ergonomics has strived to prevent these issues with specially designed chairs, wrist supports, and standing desks. However, these tools can only do so much. Take regular stretch breaks and be sure you’re working with proper posture.
Weight gain
Limited physical activity combined with unhealthy eating habits (such as snacking on high-calorie, low-nutrient foods while you work) can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which in turn increases the risk of various health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Poor posture and tight hips
Sitting improperly or for too long can lead to poor posture habits, which can cause spinal misalignment, muscle imbalances, and chronic pain. Your hip flexor muscles actually shorten over time, causing tightness and discomfort when you walk. As you age, it’s harder to regain mobility in these critical joints.
What are the best exercises for desk workers?
Walking and other aerobic activity are crucial to your overall health. But don’t neglect your strength and flexibility training — especially if you work a sedentary job. You can counteract the musculoskeletal issues that can arise from sitting too long. These exercises and stretches target the affected muscles and joints:
Neck stretches
- Gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder until you feel a stretch along the side of your neck.
- Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch sides.
You can also gently rotate your head from side to side and forward and backward to stretch different neck muscles.
Shoulder rolls
These exercises relieve tension in the shoulders and upper back.
- Sit up straight and roll your shoulders backward in a circular motion.
- Reverse the direction.
- Interlace your fingers in front of you, palms facing outward.
- Extend your arms straight out in front of you, rounding your upper back and stretching the shoulder blades apart.
- Hold for 15-30 seconds, then release.
Chest opener stretch
This exercise stretches the chest and shoulders, which can become tight from hunching over a desk.
Clasp your hands behind your back and straighten your arms, lifting them slightly away from your body.
Spinal twist
This helps stretch the muscles along the spine and improve spinal mobility.
- Sit up straight in your chair and twist your torso to one side, placing one hand on the back of the chair and the other on the outside of the opposite thigh.
- Hold the twist for 15-30 seconds, then switch sides.
Hip flexor stretch
This stretch helps lengthen the hip flexor muscles that tend to tighten after prolonged sitting.
- Stand up and take a step back with one foot, keeping both feet pointing forward.
- Lower your back knee toward the ground, feeling a stretch in the front of your hip and thigh.
- Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch sides.
Hamstring stretch
Sit at the edge of your chair and extend one leg straight out in front of you with your heel on the ground and your toes pointing upward.
Lean forward slightly from your hips until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh.
Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch legs.
Calf stretch
Stand facing a wall with your hands against it at shoulder height.
Step one foot back and press your heel into the ground while keeping your back leg straight.
Lean forward slightly to deepen the stretch in your calf muscle.
Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch legs.
Standing Knee Raises:
Give your front and side hip flexors some love with this exercise:
- Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
Lift one knee toward your chest as high as you can while maintaining balance and stability.
Hold the position for a moment, then rotate your leg to the side and place your foot down. - Reverse the motion.
- Repeat on the other leg.
- Aim for 10-15 repetitions on each leg for 2-3 sets.
Incorporating these exercises and stretches into your daily routine can help alleviate muscle tightness and improve flexibility.
If you have existing musculoskeletal issues or chronic pain, consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist before beginning any new exercise regimen.
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