Demystifying the Benefits of Standing Desks For Back Pain – Do They Actually Work?
1. The era of standing desk
There is a high chance that you are sitting down while reading this article about standing desks and their benefits for back pain. With these desks, you can perform your “desk job” while standing up as opposed to sitting down in a chair. Standing desk sales have increased dramatically in recent years with popular brands such as Autonomus or Flexispot.
Based on the high adoption rate by individual users as well as large corporations, standing desk is a great concept. However, wouldn’t it be better to be standing instead of sitting all day staring at a computer screen? If you are interested in about the benefits of standing desk, we suggest you to give this article a full read through.
2. Prolonged sitting and the negative effects
FACT: chance of dying from any cause increases by 40% for every additional four hours of sitting every day. [1]
The typical person spends more than six hours a day sitting down. It comes naturally for many of us to spend the majority of our day sitting at a desk after waking up. The cycle repeats day after day and is perceived to be harmless. However, a few alarming numbers come along with this sedentary way of life.
In a significant long-term health research, almost 7,000 males between the ages of 20 and 89 had their sitting habits examined. After examining their seating patterns and monitoring them for more than 20 years, it was found that:
- The chance of dying from any cause increases by 40% for every additional four hours of sitting every day.
- Additionally, the study found that men who sat at work and in their cars while commuting had a 60% higher risk of having a heart attack.
Do bear in mind, however, that the men in this study watched at least some television while driving, at work, and during leisure time. The data, however, is alarming because these are all quite typical daily activities.
Here are a few other consequences of prolonged sitting outside the scope of the study:
- Higher blood pressure
- Increased strain on the neck and lower back
- Bad posture
- Muscles in the lower back, neck, and hips are tense.
Are you slumped over your desk, reading this? Keep track of whether or not you have any lower or mid-back pain.
3. Mindlessly slouching = poor posture
Slouching over your desk can become natural and almost comfortable, making it a sneaky saboteur. Your back muscles progressively become less flexible and strong as you work.
Long-term instances of bad posture can progressively tighten your lower and mid back muscles, eventually leading them to lock up and become sore, without you being aware of too many early warning signs.
The good news is that posture can be improved. Even while it’s not always possible to maintain good posture, you can encourage it by standing up straight or using posture corrector.
4. Health benefits of standing desks
Being at eye level with your computer makes it difficult to slouch. In essence, the standing workstation eliminates the desire to arch your back.
Here are some benefits of using a standing desk for you:
- Become more attentive
- Encourage productivity
- Boost your posture and strength
- Back pain and shoulder pain relief
- Activate tense muscles.
- Many lower back problems can be strengthened and improved by using a standing desk.
The standing desk, though, won’t completely cure lower back problems. Your muscles and joints are under various forces when you are standing. If you stand for an extended period of time or with poor posture, this could become exhausting or even detrimental in and of itself. Make sure you pace yourself (30 mins -1 hour each session) and stand on a balanced surface using a standing mat.
Another affordable alternative to a full-scale standing desk is sit-stand converter which can be placed on top of a traditional desk.
Although there isn’t a specific treatment, you can take preventive steps to strengthen your lower back muscles and reduce the stress that’s causing you pain. The standing desk is only one preventative measure you can take to enhance your posture and lessen the strain on your back from prolonged sitting. However, it shouldn’t be used as a fix.
Find a balance that works for you and encourages an active lifestyle. Think about performing regular stretching, strengthening, and aerobic workouts or check out the back-pain specific program such as My Back Pain Coach to keep your girdle and core muscles in shape. Consider occasionally using a standing desk, and make sure you take regular breaks from work.
Check out the Top Home Remedies for Back Pain
Supporting Sources
[1] Warren TY, Barry V, Hooker SP, Sui X, Church TS, Blair SN. Sedentary behaviors increase risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in men. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010 May;42(5):879-85. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181c3aa7e. PMID: 19996993; PMCID: PMC2857522.
[2] Morley Physiology Centre. Standing desks for lower back pain. https://morleyphysio.com.au/uncategorized/standing-desks-for-lower- back-pain-do-they-work/
This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the healthysolutions.fit Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
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