What are the Consequences of Constant Sitting at a Job?

Constant sitting at any job leads to severe adverse health effects. It puts you at risk of several diseases and pain. Read on to know the consequences of constant sitting at a job.

Sitting all day at work may bring you the salary on time and please your boss. But, it is a bane to your overall health.

Consequences of Constant Sitting at a Job

The pandemic revolutionized the way we work. Most corporate firms have switched to the work-from-home regime which has, in turn, increased the working hours of employees. Whether you work from home or office, prolonged sitting takes a serious toll on your posture and health. The transition from paper-based work to paperless and computerized work has made all workplaces sedentary. And this sedentary lifestyle promotes lengthy sitting behaviour.

Let’s take a look at the possible consequences of constant sitting at jobs, whether at home or office.

1. A sharp decline in energy expenditure of individuals

According to a study, the average energy expenditure at work reduced from 1960-to 2010. With the advent of the work-from-home regime, almost 100 calories decreased which again accounts for almost 80% of the average increase in body weight. In other words, obesity and overweight have been two consistent outcomes of prolonged sitting at work.

Where is the time to work out if you end up finishing assignments and meeting deadlines 24*7? The body weight increases abruptly and these are risk factors for cardio mortality and morbidity in an adult population.

2. Risk of obesity and diabetes increases

Studies have shown that even a two-hour increase in the sitting time leads to a higher risk of obesity and diabetes. It also increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders including lower back pain. Sarcopenia also may increase by 33% for every one-hour increment in sitting time.

Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle where they have to sit for prolonged hours also have a higher risk of developing cancers like endometrial, prostate and ovarian cancer.

3. Metabolism slows down

It is normal that your muscles aren’t as active as they should be when you work constantly at your desk for hours. Thus, reducing muscle contractions. And a reduction in muscle contractions slows down the effect of insulin and fat clearance from the bloodstream. No wonder individuals with strict and long working hours have reported an abrupt gain in body weight.

4. Posture is compromised

The way and length of your sitting time determine your body posture. The posture tends to disrupt when you sit for long hours at the desk. You may start working with a straight back. But, with time, chances are you end up slouching which in turn causes excruciating back pain.

The pelvis rotates backward and exerts pressure on the lumbar discs when you sit for long hours. This position causes the head to lean forward and the shoulders curve to compensate for the transfer of weight.

5. Excruciating back and spine injuries

Ask anyone working remotely or at the office about back pain and you will find 90% experiencing similar symptoms. The static loading of tissues puts immense pressure on the lower back. This pressure tends to stress the surrounding joints and muscles.

You are most likely to experience these symptoms if you sit and work for prolonged hours. Don’t panic; there is still a way to treat and heal from the painful conditions.

This is where Physiotherapy First comes into play. Our eminent physiotherapists examine the core reason for the pain and recommend the most effective treatment plan to you. Whether you are suffering from an incorrect posture or lower back pain, we have the solution for you.