In this short, Dr. Ivan Bracic, DC, clinical director at Novaré Injury Care and Rehab in Fort Myers, explains what long days of sitting do to your hips, glutes and core, and why that can leave your back sore and your posture pulled forward. He covers why a short stretch isn't enough on its own, and how actively lengthening what's tight and strengthening what's switched off can ease the pain.
Read the full guide: 6 Common Sciatica Triggers and How to Avoid Them →
Video Transcript
You sit for 8 hours and then you wonder why your back hurts, why your hips are tight, and you can't stand up straight? Here's what's happening.
When you sit for 8 hours, your hip flexors get short, they get tight. Your glutes stop working, your core stops activating, and your body adapts to that harmful position. So when you do finally stand up, your tight muscles pull you forward, and the weak ones, they can't support you. That's where the pain comes from.
The problem isn't just sitting. It's that you can't stretch for 5 minutes and undo 8 hours of damage. You need to actively lengthen what's tight and then strengthen what's been switched off.
Do that consistently, and the pain goes away. Your posture changes. Your body starts moving the way it's supposed to move.
Read the full guide on common sciatica triggers and how to avoid them →