Sitting Too Long? How Poor Posture and Inactivity Can Harm Your Spine and Health

Modern lifestyles require working long hours at a computer or sitting in an office for most of the day. Unfortunately, this sedentary routine takes a serious toll on the body, leading to back and neck problems, shoulder pain, and even wrist discomfort. Prolonged sitting is also linked to more serious health risks, including type 2 diabetes, heart and lung disease, and even cancer.

Osteopath and physiotherapist Bruno Rosemblum, explains what happens to the body when we sit for extended periods without breaks. “It’s important to sit upright, but just as important to have a chair that provides proper back support,” he explains. “The back pain many people feel comes from increased pressure between the vertebral discs, which can cause bulging. Most people have slight disc bulges, but when they push out just a bit, they can cause pain. There’s also a lesser-known area behind the disc: the rear facet joints, which are often involved in this pain.”

He explains that both improper sitting and standing for too long can create pressure and inflammation in the spine. “The core principle of osteopathy,” he says, “is maintaining movement throughout all the joints in the body.”

Rosemblum notes that about 50% of the population experiences some form of back pain. “We try to find where the restriction is and identify the root cause of the pain in the musculoskeletal system,” he explains.

While physical therapy often focuses on the specific painful area and can be very helpful, Rosemblum takes a more holistic approach. “For example, a patient may come to me with migraines, but after a thorough review of their medical history and past injuries, I might discover an old ankle sprain that caused their body to shift slightly. That shift can disrupt blood flow, even all the way to the head, contributing to the migraines.”

He emphasizes that daily stretching and movement exercises are non-negotiable: “They help stretch the muscles properly, improve circulation, and enhance mobility. It only takes a few minutes a day, but it goes a long way in keeping your skeletal system healthy and your blood flow optimal.”

A few simple daily habits, like sitting with proper support, taking movement breaks, and doing regular stretching, can make a world of difference in preventing pain and preserving long-term health.