Desk jobs giving you back pain? 3 reasons to start using a standing desk right away!

Standing or sit-stand desks can be your savior for all your health problems caused by prolonged sitting. Here are benefits of using a standing desk.
ways to deal with back pain
Why is a sit-stand desk better for you? Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Manasvi Jain Updated: 23 Oct 2023, 12:34 pm IST
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Most of us have desk jobs where we have to sit all day, in front of our laptops. After the Covid-19 pandemic, our sitting time has increased exponentially as a lot of work has also shifted to our homes, courtesy hybrid working models. Sitting at a stretch for long hours with bare minimum activity can lead to many health problems. This is when you must explore the benefits of standing desks.

What are standing or sit-stand desks?

Have you ever tried stacking up a pile of books and adjusting your laptop on top of it or moving your chair up and down to get that perfect angle with your desk. This leveling becomes easier when you can elevate your desk too. Standing desks are basically desks which can be lowered enough for you to sit on a chair and can be adjusted at a height such that you can stand and work.

Now, you must be wondering what good will it do you to stand and work? Well, there are many health benefits of standing instead of sitting while working.

Here are 3 health benefits of using a standing desk:

1. You burn more calories

Research published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health shows that while sitting, we burn 80 calories/hour — about the same as typing or watching TV. On the other hand, while standing, the number of calories burned is about 88 calories/hour and walking burns 210 calories/hour. Though, walking will burn the most amount of calories, we can’t really walk and work, so standing is our best option.

benefits of standing desk
Standing and working will help you burn more calories than sitting. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Reduces shoulder and back pain

The one thing all desk workers have in common is shoulder and back pain. We sit all day long, slouching in front of a laptop and this does wonders for our back pain. According to a 2018 study, after only a few weeks’ use of standing desks, people reported a 50 percent decrease in their lower back pain. Bad posture is what causes these pains, but we stand up straight and that problem automatically gets solved. So that is also one of the benefits of standing desks.

benefits of standing desk
Sitting for long hours can lead to back pain. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Controls blood sugar levels

Your blood sugar levels spike up after having a meal. But studies have observed that workers who stand and work after having their lunch achieve their normal blood sugar level much quicker as compared to those who are sitting and working. Sitting after meals does increase our risk of diabetes and hence, it is advised to take a walk or use standing desks.

benefits of standing desk
Standing desks will help you keep your glucose level in check. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Since sitting can increase your risks of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer (especially cancers of the colon or breast) and premature death, standing desks obviously helps reduce the risk of all these health problems.

 

 

 

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About the Author

Manasvi Jain is a professional writer with a keen interest in spreading awareness about various health and wellness issues through her articles. She writes well researched articles by connecting with various doctors and health experts. ...Read More

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