Thank goodness for chairs.

They make life a lot more comfortable.

The first chair was thought to have been invented by the Egyptians, thousands of years ago.

But it wasn’t until the 17th century that chairs became common.

Most of us work, while sitting on chairs.

Unfortunately, too much sitting is bad for us.

The more we sit, the less we move.

A sedentary lifestyle is linked to a number of health problems, including shortened lifespan.

Too much sitting can lead to death from heart disease and cancer, according to an online article published by the Mayo Clinic.

The obvious solution is to sit less and move more.

However, this is easier said than done for people who live with chronic pain.

What Sitting Too Much Does To Your Body

Still, considering the risks of sitting too much, it’s clear we need to exercise. Even if it’s painful.

But if you have chronic pain or mobility problems, make sure to work with a healthcare provider to find an exercise regimen that works for you.

One of the most common complaints I see on various support groups for fibromyalgia and chronic pain is that it hurts to move.

This I know from firsthand experience. But working with your doctor you need to somehow find a way to get moving.

Because the research is in. We now know just how dangerous it is to sit around.

This is something that both mainstream and alternative health experts agree with.

The mainstream authority health site WebMD lays it out in black and white. Here’s what it’s telling us.

• You run the risk of developing a condition known as “metabolic syndrome.” This is a cluster of problems that includes high blood sugar and elevated blood pressure, along with an unattractive band of abdominal fat.
• Research has shown that people who sit more than 8 hours a day, with a lifestyle that includes no exercise, have the same risk of early death as people who smoke or are obese. As little as an hour a day of moderate exercise could counter this risk.
• The WebMD article noted that even movement that doesn’t include vigorous exercise can make a big difference. It recommends getting up and moving every 30 minutes or so after sitting. Or standing instead of sitting when you have the chance.

Effects Of Prolonged Sitting

All of this information is nothing new. But it’s a good reminder to get moving.

As someone with chronic pain who also has a sedentary job, this is something I need to remember.

I’ve never been an exercise nut either.

So it’s easy for me to fall into the bad habit of not getting enough exercise.

How much exercise is enough?

it depends upon your physical condition though. For most healthy adults, this is about 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity. Examples of this include swimming and brisk walking.

But people with chronic health conditions need to work closely with their healthcare team.

Bear in mind that the standard recommendation won’t apply if you can barely move, due to pain.

I know because I’ve been there.

At one time I was in so much pain I could barely drag my body across the kitchen.

Slowly I began to recover. Paying careful attention to my diet and making a lot of other lifestyle changes.

The pain will never totally go away. But it’s much more manageable. Without drugs.

It did hurt to move in the beginning. It hurt a lot. But I pushed through it, gradually working up to the point I could go on hikes again.

I’m not saying to ignore the pain and just exercise. All I’m doing is pointing out the importance of moving. And then working with your doctor to arrive at an exercise plan that’s right for you.

My natural inclination is to sit. Because I still have a little pain. And also because I work at my computer and I enjoy what I’m doing.

So I’m reminding myself as well as my readers that sitting around too much is potentially deadly.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

For More Reading

What Are The Risks of Sitting Too Much?

How Much Should the Average Adult Exercise?