Sitting Disease: How Too Much Sitting Affects Your Health and What You Can Do

Research has repeatedly confirmed that “sitting disease” is real. If you spend most of your day sitting, you increase your risk for serious health problems. A new study recommends standing up and moving every 30 minutes to reduce these risks.

At Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center in Edison, NJ, we want to highlight the dangers of prolonged sitting and share practical tips to stay active during your workday.

The Dangers of Sitting Too Much

Most people today work office jobs, meaning they spend the majority of their shift sitting at a desk. Add in the commute, sitting down for meals, and possibly watching TV afterward, and many spend most of their waking hours seated.

Recent studies link excessive sitting to health issues such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Sitting for long periods also impacts the spine and musculoskeletal system. Many people notice low back pain from prolonged sitting.

The main issue is that sitting in a static posture puts stress on the back, shoulders, arms, and legs. Most importantly, it increases pressure on the spinal discs of the lower back, potentially causing pain. Poor posture — like slouching over your desk — further increases this risk.