Are stand-up desks a good idea?

Are Stand-Up Desks a Good Idea?

Yes. (With a few caveats)

Before I rant about the benefits of stand-up desks, why is sitting so bad?

 

Why has sitting been pronounced as the new smoking?

Research has shown that sitting is detrimental to your overall health. Some of the listed side effects of prolonged sitting include:

• Weakening and wasting of gluteal muscles
• Reduced sugar metabolism
• Increased weight
• Shortened hip flexor muscles leading to back and hip pain
• Increased risk of anxiety and depression
• Chronic heart disease
• Increased risk of diabetes
• Stiff neck and shoulders
• Increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Physical inactivity contributes to over three million preventable deaths worldwide each year (that’s six per cent of all deaths). It is the fourth leading cause of death due to non-communicable diseases.

One way to add more movement to your day is by changing from a sitting desk to a stand-up desk. Not only will you be burning 10% more energy per hour, but you will be changing your posture to relieve stress from your joints. 

 

5 tips to maintain good posture at your stand-up desk.

1. Build up your standing time over time. If you try to stand all day immediately you will be sore. The muscles that have weakened over time from lack of use will need to gradually build up strength. So start with 30-minute stand-up times and build that up as your muscles get stronger.
2. Keep moving. If you stand still you will still get sore. Even if you are in a perfect posture your joints are designed to move. You will get sore if you don’t move. The good news is when at a standing desk it is a lot easier to shift and move around. You might want to try my desk exercises 
3. Wear good footwear. If you are going to stand on your feet most of the day you definitely don’t want to be in heels. This will cause shortening of your calves and lead to anterior pelvic tilt causing back pain. The muscles in the arch of your foot will also need to build strength as they will be active far more standing at your desk than when sitting. Try starting with a supportive sneaker-like shoe and even try building up time in bare feet to strengthen your arch muscles
4. Maintain good ergonomics. Even when standing you can still slouch. Remember your head needs to sit atop your shoulders (not forward) and your shoulders atop your hips knees and feet. Your screen needs to be at eye level and your elbows bent to 90 degrees.

   

5. Start by getting your spine checked. If you already have back, or neck pain or headaches a standing desk may help improve your posture but may not fix the underlying reason for your aches and pains. Get your spine assessed and personalised advice on how to implement a change in desk posture for your individual spine.

 

Don’t put off your pain and discomfort any longer.

Before changing from a sitting desk to a standing desk, consult me, your Burwood East Chiropractor to help identify the underlying cause of your specific discomfort or pain.

How to Make an Appointment

You can book online for a free 15-minute chiropractic discovery call. You can ask any questions you might have and find out if chiropractic may be able to help your shoulder pain. Or you can book online as a new chiropractic client.

As a chiropractor and nutritionist, I see patients daily that breakthrough aches and pains and reverse the signs of ageing joints with chiropractic care. With help, they can turn their life around to a happier, healthier version of themselves. Make yourself a priority today, and get back to living life at your best.