The sedentary lifestyle at most workplaces has led to what may be described as the “sitting disease”. This refers to the many ailments and health woes caused by sitting for too long. The hip flexors (muscle groups in the hip) are especially affected by this and may lead to a number of problems of their own.
How Sitting Affects Hip Flexors
The average Canadian spends 10 hours sitting. For 10 hours, the hip flexors are contorted in a position that’s uncomfortable and unfeasible for such a long duration. Since our bodies tend to acclimatize to the given circumstances, while sitting for an extended period, your hip muscles bunch up and adopt a “shortened position”. As a result, the hip flexors put up with the additional stress being exerted on them because of your continuous sitting and tend to overstretch to accommodate your posture.
When you stand up and/or walk a short distance, you’ll notice a certain stiffness and soreness in your hips. This may aggravate as you continue with your sitting routine each day, straining the hip flexors. When the hip muscles get strained, their ability to stretch will be greatly restricted, causing significant stiffness and pain.
How Strained Hip Flexors Affect the Body
As we mentioned above, our bodies tend to adapt to prolonged sitting postures, ultimately leading to hip flexor strain. The hips aren’t the only body parts affected by this, though. Since the hip muscles are crucial for balance and core control, hip flexor strain can affect various other parts of the body, consequently affecting your ability to do certain activities.
For example, weak and cramped hip muscles may restrict your movement, make getting up from your chair or sleeping on your side difficult, and may even cause low back pain. The tightness of the hip flexor can also alter the alignment of your spine and make you more susceptible to musculoskeletal ailments concerning the back and surrounding area.
If your hip flexors are strained, your posture is also affected. The strained muscles cause the pelvis to protrude and the back to arch. You may find yourself unable to readjust your position, even while you’re standing. if the strain is more severe, any movements you make outside of this posture can be extremely painful.
How to Avoid Hip Flexor Strains Caused By Sitting
The obvious answer to this, of course, is to sit less. If your desk job requires you to be at your seat for the most part, then schedule short walking breaks in between your work. Adjust your workstation in a way that you’re able to sit in a more comfortable position. If possible, arrange for an adjustable desk that allows you to do your work standing up. In addition to this, have heightened body awareness so that you’re able to use your core muscles without wearing them out.
At RegenerVate Medical Injection Therapy, we use PRP therapy to treat musculoskeletal ailments such as hip flexor strains. Call our team at 1 855 847-3975 to make an appointment at our clinics in the greater Toronto area!
