WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RELIEVE STIFF MUSCLES AFTER SITTING FOR A LONG TIME

Medically Reviewed By : Dr Chandana, MBBS, MS 

Sitting: the new health hazard

Sitting for a longer period of time might seem like a harmless habit at the surface, but the effects it has on the system is humungous.

Many researches have proved that, sitting for more than eight hours without any physical activity can have the same risk as smoking.

The human body functions well when standing. The cardiovascular system, and the digestive system work well when the body is upright.

Sitting for longer hours brings muscle wastage, weight gain around the abdomen, varicose vein, heart diseases, mental health issues, certain types of cancer, and deep vein thrombosis to the table. So it is no exaggeration, when sitting is called ‘the new smoking’.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RELIEVE STIFF MUSCLES AFTER SITTING FOR A LONG TIME

Sitting and the effect it has on muscles

The effect sitting has on muscles is huge. From fatigue to wastage, muscles do suffer a lot from sitting.

Muscle wastage

Due to loss of activity, the muscle loses its tone and strength and its ability to function effectively.

Muscle shortening and shrinking

Sitting for long, has the tendency to shorten the muscles, especially the flexor muscles in the hips. 

The muscles get shortened and cause the hips to constrict.

Muscle tightening

When we sit for a long time, the core muscles are weakened and hip flexors are tightened. This puts stress on the lower back and flexibility is compromised. 

Muscle stiffness

The sensation of tightness due to inactivity for an extended period of time causes muscle stiffness.

Understanding muscle stiffness

Muscle stiffness is experienced by soreness and a sense of rigidity while moving. Apart from inactivity, it can also result from awkward body postures, sleeping postures, and slouching which adds more stress and increases the discomfort due to stiffness.

Why is muscle stiffness a concern?

While stiffness in muscles due to inactivity is not a rare phenomenon, it doesn’t usually require medical attention straight away. It generally is corrected by some routine and conscious efforts. Almost one in four people experience muscle stiffness due to sitting.

Please follow and like us:
Pin Share

Solverwp- WordPress Theme and Plugin

Enjoy this blog? Please Follow For More Updates :)