Office work, which is characterized by prolonged sitting and constant psychological stress, is considered one of the most common causes of heartburn among office workers, compared to those in other professions
According to Dr. Olga Tarasova, Associate Professor at Pirogov Russian Medical University, the reason is physiological. Sitting in a hunched position for extended periods in front of a computer screen increases intra-abdominal pressure, which triggers this uncomfortable condition.
She says: "The main mechanism that protects the esophagus from the aggressive contents of the stomach is the lower esophageal sphincter. Its tone and proper function are essential for our comfort after eating. However, sitting for long periods in an incorrect, hunched posture in front of a computer screen increases the pressure inside the abdomen. Imagine the stomach as a balloon. If we compress it from the outside (which happens when the abdominal cavity is compressed), the pressure inside it increases. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter should maintain this pressure, but with continuous overloading, its muscles weaken and lose their ability to withstand it. This leads to what is known as 'stress reflux', which is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, and it is not caused by food, but by a sudden or chronic increase in abdominal pressure."
This effect increases proportionally with the duration of sitting. The longer the sitting time, the greater the pressure on the body.
If excess weight is added to this (especially abdominal obesity, which is often associated with office work), the risk of developing acid reflux increases significantly.
She says: "Understanding this mechanism helps in prevention and treatment without the need for expensive drugs. Of course, lifestyle changes are essential - quitting smoking and alcohol, maintaining a normal weight, and eating small meals. But for office workers, this is not enough. Because in addition, they have to maintain good posture, take regular breaks, and avoid eating in a hurry."
