Mr. X, a 35-year-old IT professional, begins his day with coffee and ends it with a laptop. Eight hours at his desk, followed by a long drive home. At home, he rests by swiping through the reels on Instagram. He remembers being energetic during the early years of his career, but now he gets tired easily. His neck feels tight, his lower back aches, and climbing a flight of stairs seems more exhausting than before. Last weekend, he went for a long drive in his new car, hoping a break from work would help. His mind felt refreshed, but his body remained stiff.
We spoke to Dr Fathima Haneena P, Consultant, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, KIMSHEALTH, Trivandrum, who explained the impact of sedentary lifestyle on fascial health.
Isn't He Familiar?
From schools and colleges to offices, a long journey between home and work, and endless screen time, sedentary living has now quietly become the new normal. While many people associate it with obesity or heart disease, one of its earliest warning signs is often something much simpler, i.e., body stiffness and persistent aches.
What is Sedentary Living?
"Sedentary living refers to spending long hours in activities that utilise very little energy, such as sitting at a desk, driving, watching television, or scrolling through your phone," said Dr Haneena.
Our bodies are designed in such a manner that movement is a necessity. "Lack of or limited movement leads to the less use of our muscles, joints, and the connective tissues that support them. Slowing of blood circulation and less active muscles result in the body gradually losing its flexibility," warned Dr Haneena. Due to this many experience neck and low back pain, tight hips, rounded shoulders, and fatigue, despite of not having any major injury.
Fascia is the body's natural support network. It is a thin, but a strong layer of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, nerves, and organs, allowing them to work smoothly and in tandem. "A healthy fascia is flexible and adapts quickly to all movements. Prolonged inactivity and stress, can reduce its flexibility, leading to stiffness and movement restriction. Fascia is only one part of the picture, but it works closely with muscles and joints to help a person move comfortably," explained Dr Haneena.