Most people don’t think much about their hips until they cause problems. The hips contain the central weight-bearing joints for the human body, and sitting for long periods can place pressure on that region.
Sitting for prolonged periods can also increase blood pressure, blood sugar, weight gain, and cholesterol levels. A recent Mayo Clinic report found that people who sit for more than eight hours a day without physical activity have death rates similar to those who smoke or are obese.
Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to counter the effects of sitting and keep your hips in better condition:
Take items out of your back pockets. For example, if you have a wallet or phone in a back pocket, your hips are thrown out of alignment every time you sit down.
Nerve impingement can occur when a nerve is pressed between bones, tendons, or ligaments. A chiropractic adjustment can help move the nerve out of the way and provide relief.
Be careful with exercise if you have a nerve impingement. Avoid exercises that cause you to rotate your hips or torso. Opt instead for walking or swimming. Gentle stretches and side leg lifts often provide relief.
Many exercise products, including elliptical machines, wobbleboards, and stationary bicycles, are designed for use under a desk. Keeping the legs moving decreases the likelihood of blood clots forming in the legs and keeps your hips, legs, and feet moving.
Try a standing desk or placing your laptop on a counter that requires standing. Alternate between sitting and standing so one position doesn’t become tedious.
Take a walk every hour or walk up and down a flight of steps.
Stand up whenever you’re on the phone.
If your hips are causing pain, avoid exercises in which the knee moves above the hip, such as deep squats. Instead, lie on your back and bend one knee. Try to touch your ear with that knee. Stop when you feel a gentle stretch, then move further. Repeat with the other leg.
Hip problems often cause pain throughout the groin area. Try the classic, easy-sitting yoga pose where your feet are crossed or pressed together. Lean forward slowly until you feel a stretch throughout the inner thighs and hips.
Sitting changes the metabolism. Even if it’s just a few minutes of movement each hour, exercising resets the metabolism to where it should be.
Make sure you’re sitting straight. To prevent slouching, place a small ball or a piece of pool noodle behind your middle back. Slouching places stress on the lower back, which affects the hips.
Chiropractic care can help tremendously with hip ailments. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, we offer acupressure, acupuncture, heat and ice therapy, hydro massage, cupping, homeopathic remedies, and lots more. We offer plenty of natural relief, so you’re feeling your best!
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