A simple way to prevent back and buttock pain
Some call it dead ass syndrome or office worker butt syndrome, whatever it is, sitting for long hours affects muscle health, and one of the body parts that suffers the most is the buttocks. Experts explain that when we sit, the buttocks are in a stretched position, and if this position is maintained for a long period of time, the muscle can “forget” about its subsequent activation. But sitting for many hours only negatively affects our butt.
A new study from the University of Turku (Finland) shows that reducing the amount of time spent sitting daily prevents back pain will get worse in six months. The result strengthens the current understanding of the relationship between activity and back pain, as well as the mechanisms associated with back pain.
It’s easy to think that reducing sitting time can help relieve back pain, but evidence from previous studies is surprisingly sparse. A study carried out by the Turku PET Center and the UKK Institute in Finland examined reduce sitting time daily may prevent or relieve back pain in overweight or obese adults who spend most of the day sitting. Participants were able to reduce their sitting time by an average of 40 minutes per day during the six-month study.
Excessive body fat
“The participants were completely normal middle-aged adults who spent a lot of time sitting, did little exercise and had gained a little weight. These factors not only increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but also back pain,” he states in the article. Joa NoraDoctoral researcher and physiotherapist at the University of Turku (Finland).
Researchers have also explored potential mechanisms for preventing back pain. “However, we did not see changes in back pain being associated with changes in fat or glucose metabolism in the back muscles,” says Nora.
People with back pain have excessive body fat in the back muscles, as well as altered glucose metabolism or poor insulin sensitivity may predispose to pain.
Back pain can be prevented or alleviated even if there is no improvement in muscle composition or metabolism.
The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiotracer-based PET scans to measure the back muscles.
“If you’re prone to back pain or spend too much time sitting and are concerned about your health, you can try to find ways to reduce the time you spend sitting at work or in your free time. However, it is important to note that physical activity, such as brisk walking or exercise, is better than just standing,” says Nora.
Researchers want to remember that changing your posture is more important than just finding the perfect posture.