F.P. Report
PESHAWAR: Medical expert on Saturday suggested that employees spend more than half their day sitting down on their office desk in front of computers screens or other work-related with incorrect postures that can lead to joint pains and many other chronic diseases.
Specialist physiotherapist Adrees Javed talking to private news channel said that prolonged sitting associated with a significantly higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer and depression, as well as muscle and joint problems.
Take a movement break every 30 minutes, say experts.
No matter how much you exercise, sitting for excessively long periods of time is a risk factor for early death, he added.
He said that at least five out of 10 patients suffer from joint pains caused due to bad posture.
“Ageing and incorrect postures are both triggers for postural problems and joint and muscular pains. The normal ageing process affects the body and that coupled with incorrect posture is a warning sign,” said Dr Adrees.
“Bad posture, especially when it is repetitive, is likely to cause joint pains. It is basically a matter of time; for some people, the problem flares up within months and for some after several years.
“Most of our patients are those who do have desk jobs and sit for hours per day. Sitting for long hours is very harmful to your health and causes many more problems than just posture related issues,” Dr mentioned.
“We treat a lot of patinets for shoulder and upper back pain because their work demands them to slouch over their chair in an incorrect posture. We also see a lot of nurses and those who lift heavy weights at work for lower back problems due to incorrect lifting techniques,” he explained.
Health experts said that there are steps that can be taken to prevent these health problems. ” People can avoid these problems through a three-step approach correct office ergonomics, regular stretching and breaks and strengthening of muscles through exercise.
Those suffering from these problems should visit a physiotherapist to get a specific tailor-made plan designed for them,” he added.
Sitting also puts more pressure on the spine than standing. If a person is sitting hunched in front of the computer the impact is worse.
Regular breaks should be taken every 45 minutes to an hour and should be at least five minutes. This is very important to prevent body pain and stiffness,” he concluded.
