The Victorian government published a study stating that sitting is the new smoking. Although this was published several years ago, it has not been debunked. On the contrary, other institutions, such as the American Heart Association, stated a sedentary lifestyle could harm your cardiovascular health.

Thankfully, a chiropractor can negate the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. However, this does not mean that you can continue with such a habit. Please do not dismiss this warning but continue reading this article.

The Risks of a Sedentary Lifestyle

Before discussing how a chiropractor can help alleviate the pain brought about by sitting for several hours daily, let us understand how this lifestyle can lead to an early death. The human body was not designed to sit for long hours.

Before the invention of the car and computers, people would walk everywhere they wanted to go. They would walk to their workplace or walk home after a long day of work. The act of sitting was not something that people practiced.

Unsurprisingly, a scientific study found that people who spend most of their day sitting are more likely to die early than those who lead an active life. The reason why it may be fatal is that it can harm your cardiovascular health.

What would be the effects of sitting for long hours? It can lead to many problems such as heart diseases and high blood pressure. Additionally, it can make your waistline expand.

As you become bigger, you will start to suffer lower back pain more frequently because extra weight can pressure your back. Again, this is another reason why sitting for hours can be unhealthy and cause lower back pain.

Steps to Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle

There are easy ways you can take to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Some of these steps are outlined below:

• Learn to be more active: You do not have to be active for hours. However, you can squeeze some activity into your daily routine. For instance, you can use the stairs instead of taking an elevator. You can also venture out with your family for a walk. 
• Change your workstation: If you work as a desk-bound employee, look into changing your workstation. You can use a standing working station because this will force you to use your feet.
• Take short breaks: When you feel tired, take a short break. The breaks will be of great help in avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. You can do yoga while on break.

How a Chiropractor Can Help You

A chiropractor can help you in two ways. First, she can administer treatment for back pain. She can also prescribe exercises that will strengthen your back. You can, therefore, cope with the pain caused by sitting for hours.

The best part is that you can continue sitting for hours but at a reduced risk of suffering lower back pain. She can also recommend the best type of exercises to build muscles and strength. It can be of great help in reducing the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

Conclusion

You should not ignore the warnings of medical institutions. If your work requires you to sit for hours, you should consult a chiropractor. She can recommend the best type of exercise and posture that will reduce the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

Additionally, her treatments and exercises can help you cope with lower back pain. If you have been suffering from lower back pain, you should discuss your problem with a chiropractor.

If you are looking for a seasoned chiropractor in Arlington Heights, you do not have to look far because you can rely on Hawkeye Chiropractic to take care of you. We will not only alleviate the back pain, but also help you live a more active life.