17 Ways Sitting Too Much Is Ruining Your Body

Prolonged sitting can lead to a blood clot in the veins of the lower legs or thighs. This condition, called deep vein thrombosis, can be very dangerous if the clot breaks loose and travels to the heart or lungs.

Sitting all day may lead to lower cross syndrome, also known as gluteal amnesia or gluteus medius tendinosis, and sometimes called “dead butt” syndrome. Prolonged periods of sitting and not moving throughout the day may lead to the glute muscles loosening and the hip flexors muscles tightening up, which may cause strains. As a result, hip and lower back pain is possible, as is numbness due to compressed and pinched nerves.

Some people may experience no obvious consequences from sitting all day — no pain, no hip problems, and no weight gain. But a closer look may prove them wrong. Research shows a connection between prolonged sitting and premature aging — body cells simply age faster when people sit too much. In the study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, women who were sedentary for most of the day — more than 10 hours at least — had cells that appeared 8 years older than the women’s actual age.

The longer a person sits, the more taxing sitting becomes for the body. Over time, chronic and prolonged periods of sitting may cause nerve damage and muscle loss due to prolonged restricted movement. Pinched nerves are most often felt in the lower back.

Sitting for a long period of time without getting up to move around may lead to blood pooling in the bottom of the legs and feet. The reduced blood flow means that parts of the body are not getting enough oxygen, which can lead to pain, tingling, and numbness.