Back pain is one of the most common health issues for adults, including those who work in desk jobs. Nevertheless, the important thing to remember is that such pain can be prevented for those in a line of work where prolonged sitting is the standard procedure. One such solution could be the use of standing desks.
Does a standing desk help with back pain? We’ll discuss this and more in this guide. It’s no secret that sitting for lengthy periods could lead to back pain and other health issues that can reduce one’s quality of life. Let’s waste no more time and answer this question of whether or not a standing desk can be a good fit for those at risk for back pain.
What Is the Connection Between Sitting and Back Pain?
Sitting for prolonged periods can lead to discomfort. This also includes any back pain that you might experience. To dig a little deeper, if you sit for longer periods, it will cause compression in your lumbar spine. As this happens, it can reduce blood circulation while also adding more strain to both your muscles and ligaments—which is common for those living sedentary lifestyles.
Needless to say, this strain over time will lead to a litany of issues including weak core muscles, poor posture, and chronic pain in the back, foot, and other parts of your body. The common culprit of this is the way modern offices are set up. In particular, chairs, desks, and monitors are poorly adjusted to the point where people operate in uncomfortable positions. Even worse, it can create misalignment and tension in your neck and back.
As a result, more reports of neck and back pain have increased. For that reason, it has led to alternative solutions being created to mitigate and prevent such issues. A standing desk was designed to be that long-term solution for those who work in occupations where prolonged sitting is prominent. As for the question, “Does a standing desk help with back pain,” the answer is a resounding “yes.”
If you have experienced back pain due to prolonged sitting, proper use of a standing desk can work to an extent. However, it is important to make sure that you make an appointment with your doctor to determine other approaches to help alleviate any back pain and issues you might have. That way, you are attacking the issue from multiple angles.
The Benefits of a Standing Desk
There are plenty of benefits to consider when using a standing desk. This list may give you more reasons to purchase a standing desk. Let’s take a look at the benefits related to potentially alleviating back pain:
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Reduces Pressure on the Spine: Standing desks could help alleviate back pain by allowing you to stand for a period of time. When this happens, you are reducing the pressure that would normally be placed on your lower spine. In addition, you are reducing muscle fatigue risk as well. A BOBA Chair could be something you can use when sitting down after adjusting your standing desk to a comfortable height.
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Improved Posture: Standing regularly can help with improved posture. A standing desk will allow you to keep your monitors at eye level and your keyboard at a height that is acceptable for ergonomics. The goal here is to reduce slouching and neck strain.
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Encourages Movement: With a standing desk, you’ll be able to shift positions easily and incorporate micro movements. These include stretching and pacing. The big thing to be aware of is that regular movement will be great for maintaining healthy spinal discs and muscles. On top of that, you’ll get reduced stiffness and better circulation.
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User Feedback: It is important to make sure you find valuable and useful user feedback from the product reviews online, especially when you are searching for the perfect standing desk that will fit your most critical needs (including relief from back pain).
What Are the Potential Downsides and Misconceptions of Standing Desks?
While standing desks can provide you with excellent benefits, there are potential downsides and even misconceptions. These should not scare you away from the idea of purchasing a standing desk, but be aware of these moving forward:
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Standing All Day is Too Much: Here’s what might be surprising: while standing is good, doing it for longer periods is never a good thing. It can lead to its own issues like varicose veins, leg pain, and fatigue. Balance is key when it comes to sitting and standing. When sitting, consider comfortable chairs, including the Aura Ergonomic Chair from TopJob, so you can preserve good ergonomics in your workspace.
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A Poor Desk Setup Makes Things Worse: While a standing desk does get the job done, you can still have it set up poorly—defeating the entire purpose in the process. As such, make sure the monitor is set at eye level and other setups are ergonomically friendly.
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Back Pain Is Triggered by Multiple Factors: Sitting for long periods isn’t the only cause of back pain. Poor ergonomics, a lack of physical activity, and underlying medical conditions are also factors causing such pain. Still, a standing desk can be ideal for alleviating some of the discomfort, but do not consider this as a cure-all solution.
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Results Are Not Immediate: If you have been mostly sitting and are new to standing desks, please note that your body will need time to adjust to the routine—meaning that you may experience amounts of discomfort. The results won’t be immediate, but eventually, you will get to experience them and then some. Making improvements and incorporating new habits are both developed with consistency and time.
Simply put, the idea of having a standing desk is good if you are dealing with back pain. However, other factors may trigger it. Once again, visiting a physician for solutions aside from using a standing desk will be ideal.
What Are Tips for Using a Standing Desk Effectively?
To maximize the benefits of using a standing desk, you can use these tips to your advantage. You must make sure you read through these before purchasing a desk. Here are the following tips:
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Adjust the Desk to the Right Height: Be sure the desk height is at a comfortable level. As a rule of thumb, make sure your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when you are typing. Furthermore, the monitor will need to be at eye level to ensure that you prevent neck strain.
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Balance Sitting and Standing: Be sure to alternate between sitting and standing every 30 to 60 minutes. By doing this, you will reduce fatigue and promote healthy circulation. If you need to stick to it regularly, make sure you set a timer or reminder.
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Consider an Anti-Fatigue Mat: If you are standing for lengthy periods, it would be advisable for you to invest in an anti-fatigue mat. These are designed to reduce pressure on your legs and feet during your standing period. Not only that, it will make things a bit more comfortable.
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Wear Supportive Footwear: Find shoes that are comfortable and supportive. These will also help reduce any strain on your lower back if you are standing for longer periods.
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Incorporate Movement: This includes short breaks where you can perform simple exercises including walks and stretches. You will notice results such as better posture and less stiffness.
When using a standing desk, make sure your desk is stable so you don’t risk any safety issues. Please note that an anti-fatigue mat and supportive footwear might help, but don’t let it mess up the balance you are trying to maintain with sitting and standing. More importantly, make sure that you find the right standing desk that fits your budget and has an adjustability feature so that you can be able to make the necessary adjustments for ergonomic purposes.
Final Thoughts
A standing desk can help with back pain. However, it won’t be the “end all” solution. Still, you can invest in one to preserve your posture, prevent future back issues, and set the balance between sitting and standing for extended periods. It starts with investing in a standing desk that will fulfill your most critical needs.
Moving forward, you can find a standing desk that will be a good fit for your budget and can satisfy your overall needs. Make sure it will allow you to set things up ergonomically so you won’t have to deal with any issues in the future.
Be sure to visit TopJob to find the right standing desk for you. View their AnyDesk Fold and AnyDesk Nest, as these are both standing desk options that help alleviate the burden of back pain. Happy shopping!
