The neurologist explained the danger of the "foot on foot" pose for the spine

The habit of sitting with one leg crossed over the other can lead to serious health problems over time. Olga Zincheva, a neurologist at the SM Clinic, warned about this in a conversation with Izvestia on July 24.

According to the expert, the human body is not adapted to prolonged sitting. And when he stays in a sitting position for a long time, the musculoskeletal system experiences a static load, for which it is not designed. If you also cross your legs at the same time, the load on the spine increases significantly.

"This position distorts the axis of the spine, disrupts the symmetry of the body. The shoulders go forward, the body bends, the lower spine bends in an unnatural way. Gradually, this can lead to serious disorders such as protrusions and herniated discs, as well as to spondylosis and spondyloarthritis. Overstressed back muscles cause pain, stiffness and limited mobility in the lower back," explained Zincheva.

She also warned that when standing "foot on foot", compression and damage to the peroneal nerve may occur. The result can be a so—called drooping foot, a condition in which the muscles responsible for lifting the foot weaken, and a person cannot walk normally.

For those whose work involves prolonged sitting, the doctor recommends changing your posture regularly, getting up and doing warm-ups. Even a simple change of leg position can reduce stress on the spine and improve blood circulation.

"If you can't give up the habit of crossing your legs, alternate poses, don't stay in one position too long. Monitor your posture, take breaks, get up from the computer at least once an hour," the specialist advises.

On June 10, Dmitry Simkin, an osteopathic doctor and head of the author's osteopathy clinic, spoke about how to spend time with a phone without harm to the neck and back. When working with such gadgets, it is undesirable to put your head on a pillow or armrest.

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