From Gamer's Thumb to Back Pain: The Health Risks of a Sedentary Lifestyle

John sat down with Chris Myers from Complete Physio to discuss the effects of prolonged sitting on the body.

In recent years, the rise of content creation and gaming has led to an increase in the amount of time people spend sitting in front of their desks, leading to physical and mental health issues. As such, it's important to recognize the impact that desk work has on our bodies and take proactive measures to prevent these issues from arising. In this blog post, we will discuss the physical and mental health issues associated with prolonged sitting, as well as strategies to combat these issues.

The Negative Effects of Prolonged Sitting

Prolonged sitting has been linked to several health issues, including back pain, wrist pain, and "gamer's thumb." According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, sitting for extended periods can cause compression of the lumbar discs, leading to lower back pain. In addition to these physical ailments, prolonged sitting can also have negative effects on mental health, such as depression and anxiety. A 2018 study published in BMC Public Health found that prolonged sitting was associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. It's important to recognize that the issue is not simply sitting, but rather sitting for extended periods without taking breaks to move around.

Strategies to Combat Prolonged Sitting

To combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting, it's important to incorporate movement and variation in posture throughout the day. Taking breaks to move around, changing positions frequently, and incorporating ergonomic equipment can help prevent issues such as carpal tunnel and "gamer's thumb." According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, taking short breaks every 20 to 30 minutes to move around and stretch can reduce the risk of lower back pain. Additionally, social interaction is important for mental health and can help alleviate physical symptoms such as back pain and neck pain. A study published in the journal Pain Medicine found that social support from friends and family was associated with reduced pain and disability among people with chronic lower back pain.

Section 3: Lifestyle and Ergonomics

Beyond the immediate effects of prolonged sitting, it's important to consider lifestyle and ergonomics in the overall context of one's life. This means looking at factors such as hydration, caffeine intake, and strength training for the wrists. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and stiffness, while excessive caffeine intake can cause muscle tension and anxiety. Additionally, strength training for the wrists can help prevent conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. It's important to not only focus on the immediate issues but also to take a proactive approach to prevent long-term problems.

Ergonomics is also important in preventing issues related to prolonged sitting. Ergonomic equipment, such as an adjustable chair and desk, can help prevent strain on the back and neck. Additionally, proper positioning of the computer monitor can reduce strain on the eyes and neck. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health, adjusting the computer monitor to a comfortable height and distance can reduce neck and shoulder pain.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it's important to recognize the negative effects of prolonged sitting and take proactive measures to prevent physical and mental health issues. By incorporating movement and variation in posture, taking breaks to move around, and incorporating ergonomic equipment, we can prevent issues such as carpal tunnel and "gamer's thumb." Additionally, it's important to consider lifestyle and ergonomics in the overall context of one's life to prevent long-term problems. By taking these steps, we can ensure that we stay healthy and productive while working at our desks. It's important to remember that even small changes, such as taking short breaks to move around, can make a big difference in our physical and mental well-being.

References:

Journal article:

Munir F, Khan HTA, Yarker J, Haslam C. Longitudinal associations between sedentary working hours and BMI, waist circumference, and obesity: the Whitehall II cohort study. International Journal of Obesity. 2017;41(2):338-345.

Wang X, Wu X, Chen Y, Chen Z, Han S. Association between sedentary behavior and the risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2019;259:15-26.

Book:

Dunstan DW, Howard B, Healy GN. Too much sitting—a health hazard. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2012;97(3):368-376.

Website:

Mayo Clinic Staff. Office ergonomics: Your how-to guide. Mayo Clinic. Accessed February 18, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-ergonomics/art-20046169

Petersen A, Pedersen BK. The anti-inflammatory effect of exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2005;98(4):1154-1162.