Despite the known hazards of desk jobs, several Canadians spend most of their day glued to their seats. They may not seem like a dangerous occupation, but the truth is, desk jobs can contribute to a number of health risks among employees.
Here’s a look at some of these health risks.
They Can Lead to Cardiovascular Disease
Did you know that sitting at a desk all day can put you at risk of heart disease? Studies have shown that otherwise healthy individuals who have desk jobs have an increased risk of heart disease as opposed to those who have a more active lifestyle.
This is because sitting for prolonged periods increases the content of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in our bodies, while decreasing the content of “good” cholesterol (HDL). It also results in a higher concentration of triglycerides in the blood, further worsening heart health. Since individuals who have desk jobs lead a sedentary lifestyle, they’re more likely to develop a heart condition than those with other occupations.
They May Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is an injury of the wrist caused by the pinching of the median nerve. It occurs when you perform repetitive hand motions, thereby exerting excessive pressure on the nerves and causing it to become inflamed.
Individuals who have desk jobs often tend to work on computers for the most part. The constant typing or tapping of the various keys on the keyboard are repetitive motions that they tend to perform over and over. Likewise, individuals who spend most of their time writing or sorting through paperwork at their desks also perform similar repetitive motions. As a result, they’re likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
They Contribute to Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Spending a great chunk of your day at your desk doesn’t do your musculoskeletal system any favours either. In fact, sitting at a desk for prolonged periods can lead to a number of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, and cause chronic pain in the lower back, shoulders, neck, elbows, arms, and legs. Remaining seated for most of the day can cause strained muscles in these regions, resulting in persisting pain and stiffness.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain also has to do with the poor posture adopted while staying seated for an extended period. Slumping or hunching your shoulders, keeping your arms and legs bent continuously, or sitting at an odd angle can hurt your musculoskeletal pain, causing a number of problems.
If you work at a desk job, then you must follow preventative measures to avoid facing the aforementioned ailments. Take regular breaks to rest and stretch your body, adopt good work ergonomics, and stay active outside of work hours to make up for the continuous sitting.
In case you sustain a muscle injury that doesn’t seem to be getting better despite these preventative measures, reach out to our staff at RegenerVate Medical Injection Therapy. We offer regenerative therapy in greater Toronto in the form of PRP injection therapy.
Make an appointment today!
