18 Dec How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Stay Active Even with a Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle has become the new norm for many of us. Whether you’re working from home, spending long hours at a desk, or binge-watching your favourite shows, extended periods of sitting can take a toll on your body. The good news? MYo Lab Health & Wellness in Calgary, Alberta, offers chiropractic care and tailored exercises to help you stay active, even if your day-to-day life involves sitting more than moving.
This blog will explore how chiropractic adjustments, targeted exercises, and proactive health strategies can counteract the effects of prolonged sitting, helping you feel better, move better, and stay active.
The Impact of a Sedentary Lifestyle on Your Body
Extended sitting impacts more than just your posture. Here are some ways a sedentary lifestyle can affect your health:
- Postural Issues: Prolonged sitting can lead to slouched shoulders, forward head posture, and lower back pain.
- Muscle Imbalances: Some muscles become tight (e.g., hip flexors), while others weaken (e.g., glutes).
- Reduced Mobility: Over time, sitting reduces joint flexibility and overall mobility.
- Chronic Pain: Neck, back, and shoulder pain are common side effects of being sedentary.
Understanding these effects is the first step to reversing them—and that’s where chiropractic care comes in.
How Chiropractic Care Counters Sedentary Habits
Chiropractors are trained to address the musculoskeletal system and restore balance to your body. Here’s how chiropractic care can help you combat the negative effects of sitting:
1. Realigning Your Spine
Prolonged sitting often leads to spinal misalignments, causing discomfort and reducing your range of motion. Chiropractic adjustments can restore proper alignment, reducing pressure on nerves and improving overall posture.
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2. Relieving Tension and Pain
Chiropractic adjustments help relieve tension in muscles and joints caused by poor posture or extended sitting. By addressing the root cause of your pain, chiropractors can provide long-lasting relief.
3. Improving Joint Mobility
Sedentary habits lead to stiffness and reduced joint function. Chiropractic care improves mobility by targeting areas of restriction, allowing you to move freely and with less discomfort.
4. Encouraging Better Posture
Good posture isn’t just about standing tall—it’s about aligning your spine and muscles to minimize strain. Chiropractors provide posture assessments and corrections to help you develop healthier sitting and standing habits.
Complementary Exercises to Stay Active
Chiropractic care alone isn’t enough—you need to integrate movement into your daily routine. At MYo Lab, we provide personalized exercise plans to help counteract the effects of sitting. Here are some key exercises and stretches we often recommend:
1. Hip Flexor Stretch
Prolonged sitting tightens the hip flexors, leading to discomfort and restricted movement. Stretching these muscles improves hip mobility and reduces lower back strain. Learn how to do the Hip Flexor Stretch correctly with this helpful guide.
2. Cat-Camel Stretch
This gentle yoga-inspired movement promotes spinal mobility, stretches the back, and releases tension built up from hours of sitting. Follow these instructions for the Cat-Camel Stretch to ensure proper form.
3. Glute Bridges
To activate and strengthen your glutes—often underutilized in a sedentary lifestyle—glute bridges are essential. Strong glutes also support better posture and reduce lower back pain. Discover the right way to perform Glute Bridges in our guide.
Small Lifestyle Changes for Big Results
Chiropractic care and exercises are key, but incorporating small, sustainable lifestyle changes can have a huge impact. Here are some tips to stay active even with a sedentary routine:
- Stand Up Regularly: Use a timer to remind yourself to stand every 30 minutes.
- Invest in Ergonomics: An ergonomic chair and standing desk can work wonders for your posture.
- Take Walking Breaks: A quick 5-minute walk every hour can boost circulation and reduce stiffness.
- Stretch Daily: Incorporate stretching into your morning or evening routine to improve flexibility.
How Chiropractic Care Supports an Active Lifestyle
Even if your schedule doesn’t allow for much activity, chiropractic care can help you maintain your health and well-being. Here’s how:
- Pain Management: By addressing discomfort caused by sedentary habits, chiropractors help you move more comfortably.
- Improved Energy Levels: Regular chiropractic adjustments improve blood flow and nerve function, leaving you feeling more energized.
- Injury Prevention: Chiropractic care strengthens your body and improves alignment, reducing the risk of injuries caused by inactivity.
Why Choose MYo Lab Health & Wellness?
At MYo Lab Health & Wellness, we understand the challenges of staying active in today’s sedentary world. That’s why we take a holistic approach to your health, combining chiropractic care, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and more to help you feel your best.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Customized Care: We tailor treatments to your unique needs and lifestyle.
- Team Approach: Our multi-disciplinary team ensures you get the best care possible.
- Modern Facility: Our Calgary location is designed for your comfort and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Often Should I Visit a Chiropractor if I Have a Sedentary Job?
The frequency of visits depends on your individual needs. Initially, more frequent visits may be necessary to address existing issues. Once improvements are noted, maintenance visits every 4-6 weeks can help keep your spine aligned and muscles balanced. At MYo Lab, we create personalized care plans based on your specific situation.
2. Can Chiropractic Care Help with Headaches Caused by Prolonged Sitting?
Yes, tension headaches are often a result of poor posture and muscle strain from extended sitting. Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate tension in the neck and upper back muscles, reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches.
3. Is It Safe to Get Chiropractic Adjustments if I’m Not Physically Active?
Absolutely! Chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for people of all activity levels. In fact, it can be especially helpful for those who are less active by promoting better circulation, flexibility, and joint health.
4. What Other Services Complement Chiropractic Care at MYo Lab?
We offer a range of services that work synergistically with chiropractic care:
- Physiotherapy: For rehabilitation and exercise programs.
- Massage Therapy: To relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
- Custom Orthotics: To correct posture and improve biomechanics.
5. Can Chiropractic Care Help with Weight Management?
While chiropractic care isn’t a weight loss treatment, it can improve your overall wellness and mobility, making it easier to engage in physical activities that promote weight management. Enhanced energy levels and reduced pain can motivate you to be more active.
6. How Long Does It Take to See Results from Chiropractic Care?
Many patients experience relief after just one session, but lasting results typically require a series of treatments. Consistency is key, and our team will guide you through every step to ensure you achieve your health goals.
7. Do You Offer Virtual Consultations or Telehealth Services?
Yes, we understand that convenience is important, especially with busy schedules. We offer virtual consultations to discuss your concerns and provide guidance on exercises and lifestyle modifications. Contact us to learn more.
8. Is Chiropractic Care Covered by Insurance?
Many extended health benefit plans cover chiropractic services. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for specific details. Our administrative team can assist you with billing and insurance claims.
9. What Should I Expect During My First Visit?
During your initial appointment at MYo Lab, you’ll undergo a comprehensive assessment, including a health history review and physical examination. We’ll discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals to create a customized treatment plan.
10. How Can I Maintain Progress Between Chiropractic Sessions?
Incorporating the exercises and lifestyle tips provided by our team into your daily routine will help maintain your progress. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep also contribute to overall wellness.
Book Your Consultation Today!
Ready to take control of your health and counteract the effects of a sedentary lifestyle? Let MYo Lab Health & Wellness help you move better, feel better, and stay active.
Final Thoughts
A sedentary lifestyle doesn’t have to mean giving up on staying active. With chiropractic care, targeted exercises, and small lifestyle changes, you can overcome the challenges of prolonged sitting. At MYo Lab, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
📞 Call us or book an appointment online at MYo Lab Health & Wellness.