If you work at a desk all day, you might notice aches and pains. Or perhaps after a long day of work, you’re neck or shoulders are stiff and sore. As such, you might be considering a standing desk to avoid sitting for hours on end. 

While standing or sitting in one spot for too long isn’t necessarily good for the body or spine, a standing desk may prove much better than sitting for eight hours a day. So, what are the benefits? And how can you choose a standing desk that’s right for you?

The Benefits of a Standing Desk

A standing desk has plenty of advantages when compared to sitting. Some of these include:

• Increased strength: Standing forces you to use your core muscles and lower body muscles, ones which you wouldn’t necessarily use when sitting. 
• Better posture: Typically, a standing desk encourages better posture, as slouching isn’t as easy to do when standing.
• Improved blood flow: Unfortunately, sitting can significantly restrict blood flow. However, standing might enhance it!
• Reduced pain: Many develop back, neck, and shoulder pain (and more!) when sitting for long durations each day. Standing might help counterbalance this, place less pressure on your spine, and lead to less long-term pain.

How to Choose a Standing Desk

If you’re serious about purchasing a standing desk (or perhaps your company covers it for you!), you may want to consider getting one that can alternate between standing and sitting. This can provide you with variation throughout your day, ensuring you aren’t standing or sitting in one spot for too long. 

It’s also important to note that different standing desks have different heights, programmability, and more. You’ll want to make sure you get a standing desk that is the optimal height for you. You’ll also want to check if the standing desk is able to move on its own via the flick of a switch or button or if you’ll have to manually move it up and down.

Tips for Working at a Desk

Whether you have a standing desk or not, here are some tips to keep in mind as you work:

• Take breaks every 90 minutes to stretch, walk, or move a bit.
• Make sure your monitor is at eye level, whether you’re sitting or standing.
• Ensure your mouse and keyboard are within easy reach, and you don’t need to stretch or lean toward them.
• Consider purchasing an “anti-fatigue” mat. This is usually a softer mat that goes under your feet, so you aren’t standing on a hard surface all day or for hours on end.

Interested in learning more about how you can reduce pain and improve your posture? Book your FREE discovery call with your local Finsbury Park chiropractor. BOOK NOW.