If your day involves hours at a desk, you are not alone. Many men and women of all ages spend a large portion of their day sitting. While it may feel harmless, prolonged sitting has real effects on spine health and hip mobility. Over time, poor posture and limited movement can lead to stiffness, muscle imbalance, and discomfort that affect daily life.
Dangers of Extended Sitting
Extended sitting places continuous pressure on the lower spine and encourages the hips to stay in a shortened position. This can reduce flexibility, weaken supportive muscles, and contribute to back or hip pain. These symptoms often build gradually, which is why people are surprised when symptoms appear seemingly out of nowhere.
At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Nielsen and the physical therapy team regularly help patients address these concerns with both preventative care and treatment options.
Spine Health and Everyday Posture
Your spine is designed to move. When you sit for long periods, especially with rounded shoulders or a forward head position, spinal alignment can suffer. This strain may show up as neck tension, mid-back stiffness, or lower back pain by the end of the day.
Dr. David Nielsen, D.O. a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, emphasizes that small daily habits can make a meaningful difference. Supporting spine health often starts with awareness and consistency rather than drastic changes.
Helpful adjustments include
- Sitting with feet flat on the floor and hips level with or slightly higher than the knees
- Using a chair that supports the natural curve of the lower back
- Taking brief movement breaks every thirty to sixty minutes
When discomfort is addressed early, recovery may take only a few weeks with guided care. More persistent symptoms can take several months, especially if they involve nerve irritation or muscle weakness.
Hip Wellness Tips
The hips play a major role in how your spine functions. Tight hip flexors from prolonged sitting can pull on the pelvis and increase strain on the lower back. This connection explains why hip pain and back pain often appear together.
Maintaining hip wellness does not require intense workouts. Simple daily movement, stretching, and strengthening can restore balance. Physical therapy is especially effective for improving hip mobility and relieving pain caused by sitting effects.
Patients seeking physical therapy in Charlottesville often notice improvement within four to eight weeks, depending on consistency and the severity of symptoms. Therapy focuses on restoring movement patterns that support both the hips and spine.
Why Choose Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center
Occasional stiffness is common, but ongoing pain or limited movement is not something you have to accept. Orthopedic specialists and physical therapists work together to determine the right path forward, whether that means guided exercise, activity modification, or further evaluation.
With the right guidance, many patients experience meaningful relief and improved comfort in daily activities. Recovery timelines vary, but early intervention often leads to faster and more lasting results.
Dr. Nielsen brings over two decades of experience treating musculoskeletal conditions with both surgical and nonsurgical solutions. His patient-centered approach ensures that care plans are realistic, personalized, and focused on long-term function rather than quick fixes.
If sitting strain is affecting your work or quality of life, Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center is here to help.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you are ready to support your spine health and improve hip comfort, schedule a consultation with Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center today. Complete the online form to connect with the orthopedic and physical therapy team and take the next step toward feeling better.
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Complimentary Movement Screening
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert phsycial therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
Learn MoreWhat Our Patients Say
“I went to Dr. Nielsen for a second opinion on a dislocated hand. My first surgeon recommended surgery without much consideration. A friend suggested Dr. Nielsen, who spent time reviewing my case and concluded that I only needed rehabilitation. He was right! He's an excellent doctor.”
I was impressed with the quality of service and the caring people throughout the visit, from the receptionist to the doctor seen. They truly care and are honest and professional.
The best ortho in the state. Got my son in right away and is a very caring crew. Professional and clean atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone.
We can’t recommend Dr. Nielsen and his team enough. They represent the best in medical care and kindness to others. They are truly excellent in providing healthcare services. With him, you will find a health partner, a supportive friend on your health journey, and continuous support in your pursuit of well-being.
Highly recommend Charlottesville Orthopedic Center for PT. They are the best! Very knowledgeable, detailed, patient, caring and they listen. I had shoulder and knee issues. Matt was my physical therapist and I would definitely go back if I ever need more therapy. Thank you so much for all your help.
Very responsive, same day service. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough when communicating complex medical information.
Great place. The best group of people you could ask for. Knowledgeable and polite. #1
I was able to get a same day appointment after every other place I called turned me away. In the end, I was glad I got turned away elsewhere because I can’t imagine any other practice being more caring and understanding.
