Sitting – Is it as bad for you as smoking?

Australians are generally spending more time sitting at desks, in cars and in front of screens. Recent research indicates that extended periods of sitting can have highly toxic effects on our health, with some even referring to sitting as ‘the new smoking’.

As we continue to become more sedentary local chiropractors are encouraging us to think about the effects on our bodies.

Director of Healing Wave Chiropractic, Daniel Smith, said that one of the most common health issues facing people who spend significant amounts of time sitting is pain and discomfort associated with the lower back, neck and shoulders.

“Our bodies were not designed to sit for prolonged periods.

This type of repetitive action places a lot of strain on the spine and the nervous system which it supports. Aside from daily discomfort such as back pain, nerve pain and headaches, people should be aware that excessive sitting could be causing significant long term damage to the spine and nervous system, and this may contribute to other health problems as we age,” he said.

“Our team of chiropractors currently works with businesses across Newcastle and the Hunter to assist in addressing the impact of prolonged sitting on the health of employees.

“Our focus is to increase understanding of the spine. We can also help improve workplace habits and procedures that can mitigate effects, while working with individuals to address short and long term impacts of sitting that can prevent further deterioration of spinal function.

“Solutions can include improving posture by altering workstation configurations, adding low impact exercises or other movement to daily routines, and of course consulting a chiropractor for professional advice around maintaining optimal spinal health,” he said.

Healing Wave Chiropractic is a locally owned and operated group of four prominent practices located at The Junction, Mayfield, Warners Bay and New Lambton and includes a team of 14 chiropractors and 18 support staff. The group was established more than 25 years ago and is the largest chiropractic provider in the Hunter region and currently services a client base of around 6,500 local people of all ages, who benefit from access to quality chiropractic care.