Prolonged sitting — at a desk, in front of a computer — leads to poor posture that causes issues from neck and back pain to shoulder and arm muscle stress. When your body is in a resting position, you tend to lean forward, which adds pressure to your spine and neck. Even just sitting for extended periods of time decreases your normal muscular development, hindering your mobility.
A stand-up desk provides an ideal solution if your job requires you to work at a desk. A standing desk keeps you on your feet, alert and moving throughout your day. It’s adjustable, too, so you can lower it to sit.
The team of medical professionals at the Southeastern Spine Institute agree. Whether you’re just starting to feel aches and pains in your back or have undergone treatment for back pain, the benefits of a standing desk is to prevent further damage.
What Are the Primary Benefits of a Standing Desk?
One of the most important benefits of a standing desk is forcing you to engage your core and legs, while encouraging you not to slump forward. As long as you place your screen at eye level, it’s an ergonomic work space. Standing while you work increases the strength in your legs and abdomen, which support your spine.
Your overall health, including your cardiovascular system, is improved by remaining active. By standing on your feet, your body expends more energy. Additionally, being more active:
- Reduces your likelihood of becoming obese, as you burn more calories
- Lowers your chances of becoming diabetic
- Increases your overall circulation, allowing more blood to flow throughout your body
- Decreases your risk of heart-associated health problems
Does Standing at a Desk Improve Mobility?
The benefits of a standing desk apply to effective mobility, increased flexibility and improved posture. A stand-up desk reduces lower back and neck pain. It even reduces the pressure on your shoulders and arms, while preventing carpal tunnel issues that often arise from typing.
Feeling better physically improves your mood and energy level, too, leading to increased productivity. You feel better because standing for a good part of your workday:
- Slows the process of developing joint pain, fatigue and aching muscles
- Reduces the likelihood of muscle cramps and tightness
- Improves your posture
- Encourages a greater range of motion
- Forces your spinal column to be straight, instead of bent or leaning forward
- Reduces pressure on your spine by distributing your weight more evenly
- Allows a better flow of oxygen and blood into your spinal column
What Problems Can Occur with a Standing Desk?
Before you invest in an adjustable desk, talk to your spinal physician at the Southeastern Spine Institute. Your doctor may insist that you undergo physical therapy before standing while you work. You may need to stand for only a portion of your time. Common mistakes that reduce the benefits of a standing desk — and may actually cause harm — include:
- Positioning equipment improperly so that you must bend over to see your screen. When you move the desk to the standing position, adjust it to your specific height requirements.
- Not giving your body the space it needs while you’re standing. Frequently shifting your weight from side to side promotes circulation.
- Improper floor support. The area around your standing desk should include a padded safety mat. Standing on hard surfaces like concrete or tile can cause joint pain. A safety mat also reduces the chances of slipping or falling.
- Inadequate arm and wrist support. A standing desk should always be adjusted to a height that allows your wrists to rest at a right angle, perpendicular to your forearms.
Your doctors at the Southeastern Spine Institute provide exceptional treatment for back, neck and shoulder pain. They’re relentless in preventing future pain and dealing with your current distress. Call today to make an appointment.