By 13 Things That Happen When You Sit with Crossed Legs (Most People Don’t Realize)
March 07, 2021
It seems natural to have your legs crossed while sitting. It makes you feel more comfortable and seems like the perfect position to keep your legs moving. How many times, with your legs crossed, do you swing the top one back and forth?
What would you think if you knew that sitting cross-legged is bad for you? Would you be surprised to find out that your comfortable sitting position is hurting your body? While there are many rumors about this position, there is also scientific evidence that it is unhealthy to sit this way.
Sitting cross-legged has surprising consequences
While sitting cross-legged won’t kill you, it can certainly cause you some trouble inside your body. Here are the most surprising consequences of sitting this way.
1. Posture is affected
If you sit in a inappropriate posture Over long periods of time, it can put great stress on your body, and it can even affect your digestive system. If you must sit this way, remember to keep your back straight and not hunch over.
2. Increased likelihood of varicose veins
Varicose veins are pronounced veins that bulge and can be seen on the outside of the skin. It occurs when the veins become twisted or enlarged. They are sometimes called spider veins because they look like a blue cobweb near the surface of the skin.
Having these bulging veins is more of a cosmetic problem than anything else. However, they can cause palpitations and pain when walking as they increase in size. In addition, those who have these spider veins are at increased risk of developing blood clots in the region, according to Stop the clot.
3. Hip and back pain
Your posture is affected when you sit this way, but this incorrect posture can cause both your hips and your back. As you twist to find a comfortable position, you are at greater risk of twisting your nerves and vertebrae. If you have ever experienced sciatica, then you know that it is not for the faint of heart.
4. Raise your blood pressure
You blood pressure it is directly affected when sitting cross-legged. Have you ever heard that you should never cross your legs while having your blood pressure checked? The reason is that it constricts your blood vessels and makes your heart beat faster.
the National Institute of Health referenced a study that found that people who sit this way have high blood pressure. The good news is that your blood pressure returns to its normal range once you uncross your legs. It is recommended that you get up every 15 to 20 minutes and walk to help keep your blood pressure under control.
5. Pressure on your peroneal nerve
Your body is an intriguing network of nerves and vessels. Behind the knee is the peroneal nerve that helps supply sensation to the legs and feet. When you sit cross-legged, you are crushing this nerve.
Ever wonder why your feet or toes go numb when you’re sitting this way? Fortunately, this position does not cause any permanent nerve damage, but it can cause that uncomfortable “tingling” sensation.
6. Sperm production
While this is believed to be a common position for women, men also like to sit cross-legged. The problem with this position for men is that it can cause pinching in the private area. Sperm production depends on everything flowing freely, which is why doctors recommend boxers for those trying to conceive.
The best way for a man to sit is with his feet flat on the ground and he should always keep his shoulders back. If you want to have a baby, it is the only position that will not inhibit the production of your little soldiers.
7. Leg swelling
If you sit cross-legged for long periods, you may experience swelling in your ankles or leg cramps. This is especially observed to occur in pregnant women.
The pressure of sitting this way causes fluid to pool in the legs. Fortunately, you can ease symptoms by sitting flat-footed on a stool.
8. Damages the spine
It is not uncommon to feel pain in the lumbar spine area if you sit cross-legged for long periods of time. If you are already prone to back problems, this is not the position for you. When you have a bad habit of balancing one leg over the other, it may be better to try some exercises for back pain to relieve tension.
9. Breathing difficulties
When you sit cross-legged, you pinch your stomach a bit. Did you know that this can cause breathing problems? Now, don’t worry, thinking that it will make you feel like you are having an asthma attack, but it may have a small effect.
If you already have a compromised respiratory system, the last thing you want to do is cause bigger problems.
10. Scoliosis spine
Have you ever heard of scoliosis? This curvature of the spine is quite dangerous as it causes the spine to take on an “S” shaped appearance. When you sit in this elevated position for a long period of time, it can cause significant spinal problems, resulting in pain and possible surgery.
11. Inability to concentrate
If you’re sitting in a meeting or seminar where your focus tends to be all over the place anyway, the last thing you want to do is sit cross-legged. Due to the tension, this position puts your neck, back, legs, and feet, which is sure to affect your concentration levels.
12. Unbalanced pelvic area
Had you ever thought that sitting cross-legged could cause a pelvic imbalance? When you continually sit in this hunched position, it can cause your inner thigh to shorten over time.
After years of sitting this way, you may notice that you have joints moving outward as the outer thigh muscle lengthens. This can be a painful situation that can cause problems when walking.
13. Yeast infections
While it may seem strange to think that your sitting position can contribute to yeast production, if it can inhibit sperm count, it can also affect your PH in the vaginal area. When a woman sits cross-legged for long periods, she is preventing needed oxygen from reaching the area.
Private areas need oxygen to breathe and prevent bacteria from harboring. Did you know that some gynecologists believe that a woman should avoid wearing underwear for this reason? So to keep things cool and bacteria-free, don’t cross your legs.
Solutions for this sitting position
He has certainly been sitting this way since he was little. Therefore, the chances that you will change your seating position are now slim. If you must sit cross-legged, there are a few things you can do to minimize the effects it has on your body. Here are some ways to combat health problems and body aches from this popular sitting style:
• Set a time limit
Do not allow yourself to sit for hours on end with your legs crossed. Rather, be sure to get up and walk every 15 to 30 minutes. It is important for the blood to flow again and for the jolt to lose the “tingling” sensations you feel from pinched nerves. You will notice a noticeable difference when not stuck for long periods.
• Position the chair correctly
One of the areas most affected by this sitting position is the back. You can help give your back the support it needs by adjusting your chair a little. Did you know that many people sit in this position because they are trying to alleviate the pain they have in this region?
All you need is a little more support so you don’t feel any pain in your lower back.
• Avoid restrictive clothing
It sounds shocking, but your clothing can directly affect blood flow to areas of your body. Wearing tight, restrictive clothing can increase your risk of varicose veins.
While compression garments are suitable for biking, they are not the best option for sitting down. Try to wear something that allows your blood to flow freely without restriction.
Final thoughts on sitting cross-legged
It seems so easy to cross one leg over the other while sitting, but few know the damage this popular pose causes. It is essential to learn how poor posture and slouching can be so damaging to the body. While crossed legs It may seem comfortable, the health risks are a bit scary in the long run.
