Over 360 Customer Reviews

Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic Burlington

Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic Burlington

Blog

How sedentary lifestyles affect your spine

How Sedentary Lifestyles Affect Your Spine & Joints: Sheddon’s Expert Advice

In today’s fast-paced yet highly sedentary world, many people spend hours sitting—whether at work, during commutes, or simply unwinding at home. While this may seem harmless, prolonged inactivity can have a profound impact on your spine and joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and even long-term musculoskeletal issues. At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic in Burlington, we understand the importance of movement and proactive care in maintaining a healthy, pain-free body.

Understanding the Toll of Prolonged Sitting

Your body is designed for movement, and when it doesn’t get enough, issues start to arise. Poor posture, spinal misalignment, and joint stiffness are among the most common effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting for extended periods places undue pressure on your spine, particularly in the lower back and neck, leading to discomfort and an increased risk of conditions such as disc degeneration, herniation, and chronic back pain.

Over time, weakened core muscles contribute to instability in the spine, making it difficult to maintain proper posture. Without adequate movement, blood circulation slows, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles and joints, which can accelerate stiffness and discomfort. These effects are compounded by modern work habits—whether you’re hunched over a laptop or spending hours at a desk, your body is bearing the consequences. In many cases, people don’t even realize the damage being done until pain or limited mobility sets in, signalling deeper issues within the musculoskeletal system.

How sedentary lifestyles affect your spineThe Impact on Your Joints

Joints rely on movement to stay lubricated and function smoothly. When you remain inactive, the production of synovial fluid—the lubricant that keeps your joints moving without friction—declines. This can result in stiffness, discomfort, and an increased risk of arthritis over time. Without regular mobility, the muscles supporting your joints weaken, placing more strain on the joints themselves and increasing the likelihood of injury.

The hips and knees, in particular, suffer from prolonged sitting. A lack of movement can cause these joints to become stiff and tight, leading to a decreased range of motion and potential long-term damage. At our Burlington Physiotherapy Clinic, we frequently treat individuals experiencing joint pain due to sedentary habits, helping them regain flexibility and strength through targeted therapies and movement-based treatments.

Another significant consequence of prolonged inactivity is the increased risk of inflammation. Joints that are not regularly moved can develop chronic inflammation, leading to discomfort and a greater chance of developing degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. By keeping your joints active and mobile, you can help reduce stiffness and maintain a higher quality of life.

Reversing the Effects: How We Can Help

Fortunately, the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle can be mitigated with proactive care and small changes to daily habits. At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic Burlington, we specialize in evidence-based treatments to restore mobility, alleviate pain, and strengthen the body. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, joint stiffness, or postural issues, our team is dedicated to providing personalized physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy to help you move and feel better.

Incorporating movement into your daily routine is key. Taking short breaks to stand up and stretch, practicing proper posture, and engaging in regular exercise can significantly reduce strain on your spine and joints. But sometimes, professional intervention is necessary. Our clinic offers customized rehabilitation programs tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the right treatment to improve posture, relieve discomfort, and enhance overall mobility.

We believe in a holistic approach to care. We not only address immediate pain and discomfort but also focus on preventing future issues. By using a combination of manual therapy, targeted exercises, and patient education, we equip our clients with the tools they need to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

Why Choose Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic in Burlington?

With a strong reputation in the Burlington / Aldershot community, Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic is committed to providing top-tier care for individuals of all activity levels. Whether you’re an athlete looking to prevent injuries or someone seeking relief from chronic pain due to a sedentary lifestyle, our team of skilled professionals is here to support your journey toward better health.

Our comprehensive approach includes hands-on therapy, exercise prescription, and education to empower you to take charge of your well-being. We believe that movement is medicine, and through our tailored treatment plans, we help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life. By addressing the root causes of pain and stiffness, rather than just treating the symptoms, we offer long-term solutions that truly make a difference.

Additionally, our clinic provides advanced therapeutic techniques such as shockwave therapy, acupuncture, and myofascial release therapy to accelerate recovery and improve joint function. These treatments are particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing persistent pain from long hours of sitting or previous injuries.

Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Spine and Joints

If you’ve been experiencing stiffness, discomfort, or chronic pain due to a sedentary lifestyle, now is the time to take action. Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic is here to help you move better and feel stronger. Contact us today to book an appointment and let our team guide you toward lasting relief and improved mobility.

Your spine and joints are crucial to your overall well-being—don’t wait until pain dictates your daily routine.

Contact us and start prioritizing movement and proper care today with expert guidance from Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic Burlington. A healthier, more active life is just one appointment away.

About Author

Picture of Mitchell Baldissarelli

Mitchell Baldissarelli

Mitchell is a registered physiotherapist working in Orthopedics since 2012. He graduated from McMaster University with a Masters of Physiotherapy. Prior to this, he stained his Honors Bachelor of Kinesiology at Lakehead University. He has also completed continuing education in physiotherapy and received his FCAMPT designation as well as taking courses in acupuncture, concussion management and McKenzie/Mulligan techniques. He has been writing articles for Sheddon since 2015.

Book your appointment at one of our clinics

Book Now

Questions? Contact Us!

Contact Now

Related Posts

Scroll to Top
custom pillow Pillowise

Say goodbye to endless pillow struggles! We now offer personalized Pillowise pillows, custom-fit to your body and sleep position.

No more tossing and turning or settling for subpar support – experience the comfort and quality you deserve for a restful night’s sleep.