Did you know that sitting is similar to smoking and can shorten your life expectancy?! Studies show that for every hour you sit, 22 minutes is cut from your lifespan. It is estimated smokers shorten their lives by about 11 minutes per cigarette. Top Denver Chiropractor explains.

HOW IS SITTING EQUIVALENT TO SMOKING IN DENVER CO?

Periods of sitting for longer than 60 minutes is bad for the spine because we tend to slump while sitting. A slumped posture straightens the spine and the spring-like ability of the spine is lost creating more pressure to be placed on the disc and bones. This can lead to tears or thinning of the disc as well as increased muscle spasms and abnormal bony growth. This abnormal bony growth is called degenerative joint disease, aka arthritis and can lead to fusion of the spine. Even worse, this process decreases vital lung capacity which decreases the oxygen your body needs.

Spinal conditions are progressive in nature, which often leads to a decrease in the quality and quantity of the life you want.

An even more important reason to maintain good spinal health is that the spinal column protects the spinal cord which is part of the central nervous system, which controls every action and in your body. With nervous system interference that these postural distortions cause interfere with the communication between the brain and the organs and other vital tissues and will start to degenerate.

Text neck posture, aka digital dementia , can also shorten your lifespan. For every inch your head moves forward, 10-12 additional pounds in effective weight is felt. This can cause neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, numbness or tingling, dizziness and fatigue. It also places severe stress on the upper back leading to the development of a hump and possibly even compression fractures. In closing, a study from Johns Hopkins University found that FHP was associated with a life span loss of 14 years.

Poor posture does not always cause pain or discomfort. This is why you need to maintain your nervous system and spine at a minimum of twice yearly check ups to see if there are any problems. If you are interested in learning more about having better posture, and having your nervous system checked and looking for a Denver Chiropractor please call Dr. Mooberry at Lifetime Wellness & Chiropractic at 303-359-3569 or info@zonehealingcenter.com or www.denver-chiropractor.com.