Life on the road as a trucker or behind a desk may seem miles apart, but there is one commonality between them. Both jobs require you to sit for long periods in one spot. While a sedentary position may not seem dangerous, it may prove detrimental to your health.
The body’s makeup and chemistry need consistent movement to remain healthy. An injury can occur because of the long hours spent sitting. Learn more about how your sedentary job may give rise to health issues.
What are the common injuries of a sedentary job?
A sedentary occupation does not require you to do much walking around. Instead, you may sit still behind a desk or a steering wheel for hours. This may leave you vulnerable to certain injuries.
Repetitive motion injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common sedentary injury. For office workers, typing for hours may cause tissue inflammation in the forearm. The swelling constricts the nerve that runs into the hand, making movement painful. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome may require surgery.
Degenerative disc disease
Constantly sitting in a truck seat may weaken the muscles and tissue in the back. Over time, it may result in a loss of support for the spinal column, causing undue and repeated pressure on the discs between vertebrae. Degenerative disc disease results from this breakdown and may make any movement in the back painful.
Heart disease
A sedentary lifestyle contributes to the onset and worsening of heart disease. Jobs that do not allow for many opportunities to get regular physical activity may place extra strain on the heart and lead to overeating out of boredom. Obesity is one of the contributing elements to heart disease.
Regardless of the activity required of your job, you may want to stay in tune with the messages your body is sending.