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1. Blood pressure rises
The relationship between your favorite posture and changes in blood pressure has been raised several times in various small studies. Most of them confirmed that the habit of sitting cross-legged does raise your blood pressure, but this is temporary. According to a study from the University of Nijmegen, this position increases systolic blood pressure by 7% and diastolic blood pressure by 2%. Also, scientists noted that crossing the ankles does not affect blood pressure in any way.
Such a jump is not dangerous for the health of young people, but could potentially be a huge problem for people suffering from high blood pressure.
2. Back and neck pain
Physiotherapist Vivian Eisenstadt suggests that you feel pain in your back and neck if you often sit cross-legged.
“Constant sitting in this position is one of the main causes of back and neck pain and herniated discs,” explains Vivian. The doctor claims that all unpleasant sensations arise from pressure on the spine.
3. Pose causes varicose veins
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, nearly half of the American population suffers from varicose veins (55% of women and 45% of men). Is there a connection between this illness and cross-legged sitting? Some experts believe that genetics is to blame, but other experts argue that the love of sitting cross-legged can also affect the appearance of varicose veins.
“Crossing the legs increases the pressure in the veins, which is responsible for returning blood back to the heart. The pressure from one leg to the other obstructs your blood flow. This can weaken or damage the veins in your legs. If the veins are damaged or weakened, blood can collect there, provoking or aggravating varicose veins, ”says cardiologist Human Madyon.
4. You can damage the peroneal nerve
The sciatic nerve is one of the largest nerves in the human body. It stretches from the spinal cord to the feet, and the peroneal nerve is one part of the sciatic nerve. Any pressure, even such as crossing your legs, will cause numbness and tingling. Over time, the habit of sitting cross-legged can even damage the nerve. This damage, in turn, leads to loss of sensation.