Is sitting for a long time at work harmful to the body

Sitting for long periods of time at work can indeed cause harm to the body, potentially leading to musculoskeletal problems, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and other health hazards. Sedentary behavior is associated with various diseases such as obesity, lumbar disc herniation, varicose veins, abnormal blood sugar, cervical spondylosis, etc.

Prolonged sitting posture can cause sustained tension in the muscles of the lower back, which can easily lead to increased pressure on the lumbar intervertebral disc and accelerate disc degeneration. Prolonged sitting can obstruct blood circulation in the lower limbs, which may trigger varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis. Poor sitting posture can also cause forward tilting of the cervical spine, increase the burden on the cervical spine, and may develop into cervical spondylosis in the long run. In metabolism, sitting for a long time will reduce insulin sensitivity, increase the risk of diabetes, and reduce the activity of lipolytic enzymes, leading to fat accumulation. In special circumstances, certain professions such as drivers and programmers who require prolonged sitting pose more significant health risks. Prolonged sitting in pregnant women may affect fetal oxygen supply, and prolonged sitting in postoperative patients may delay wound recovery. In patients with basic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, prolonged sitting will aggravate the progress of the disease. Due to genetic factors, some populations have a higher probability of thrombosis after prolonged sitting.

It is recommended to get up and move for 1-2 minutes every 30 minutes, doing simple stretching exercises. When working, you can try using a standing desk and alternating positions. During lunch break, you can take a 10 minute brisk walk or climb stairs. Daily routine should ensure 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, such as swimming, cycling, etc. Pay attention to controlling calorie intake in diet, and supplement with dietary fiber and high-quality protein. When symptoms such as persistent lower back pain and lower limb swelling occur, timely medical examination should be sought. Establishing regular exercise habits and correct sitting posture can effectively reduce the health risks caused by prolonged sitting.