People don’t think too much about sitting, and while it’s a harmless second nature, the way you sit surprisingly affects your body in more ways than one. The wrong posture while sitting can be the culprit behind your shoulder pain, while an awkward position can cause the twinge on your lower back.
Sitting cross-legged, for instance, is a go-to position that men and women alike mindlessly do whenever possible. While it’s an unconscious behavior, sitting pretty with your legs crossed can have surprising ramifications to your spine.
With that in mind, the guide below should clue you in on the impacts of sitting crossed-legged and help straighten out your habits:
Sitting Cross-Legged Can Contribute to High Blood Pressure
There’s a lot going on behind the scenes when you sit cross-legged. For one, crossing your legs over the other can temporarily cause your blood pressure to skyrocket, which is why doctors often ask you to place both feet evenly on the ground during a blood pressure test.
A study found by the Journal of Hypertension also found that there’s a bigger spike in blood pressure when people put their ankle on their knee, though the problem is more prevalent among participants with existing high blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension.
Sitting Crossed-Legged Can Promote Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Crossing your legs forces your spine to flex forward, and while it won’t do any lasting damages when done every now and then, sitting in this position for hours on end can lead to sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
With the muscles surrounding the joint at the spine placed in an awkward position, it’s possible to find itself “stuck” as it doesn’t accommodate your normal body alignment. It won’t cause too much trouble with your health, but it can develop into a bothersome chronic pain for your lower back and buttocks.
Sitting Cross-Legged Can Lead to Muscular Imbalances in Your Trunk
Placing one leg over the other puts your body in a state of imbalance, especially for the muscle groups surrounding your trunk. The one legging crossing over the other can spike up the Quadratus Lumborum activity, while the other leg resting on the floor has little-to-no action along with the erector spinae.
The uneven distribution of weight and activity can result in muscular imbalances, wherein the Quadratus Lumborum shortens due to the frequent yet uneven usage. With that in mind, sitting cross-legged increases your chances of developing chronic low back pain.
The Bottom Line: Sitting Mindfully can Affect Your Body in More Ways Than One
People know that sitting with your legs crossed at the knees and your shoulders back is a prime example of prim and proper etiquette. It became a natural habit over time, making it one of the most common sitting positions for people of different ages.
The comforting position is a go-to habit for men and women sitting at the office, in waiting rooms, or even just relaxing at home. However, sitting cross-legged for many hours of the day can affect your health over time.
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