The Pros and Cons of Standing Desks

In recent years, standing desks have become incredibly popular. Reports from advocates espouse a wide array of benefits from working at a standing desk rather than sitting all day. Many workplaces have taken reports like those seriously — 60% of employers offer standing desks, according to a study done earlier this year. That said, working from a standing desk doesn’t come without its own set of drawbacks.

The Pros

Eighty percent of Americans have sedentary jobs, and many of them sit for around eight hours a day. While a standing desk is no substitute for exercise, having one can alleviate pain from poor posture while sitting, burn more calories, and help you be more productive. Standing increases blood flow and engages the muscles better than sitting, so it’s no wonder so many people want the option of standing while they work. It helps them feel more alert and refreshed while they work.

The Cons

While working at a standing desk can alleviate pain, you might not feel that effect immediately. At the same time, if your posture while you stand is just as poor as it is when you sit, a standing desk won’t solve that problem. Ergonomic standing desks can also be expensive, but you can construct your own with the help of an ergonomics expert, a nurse with ergonomics training, or a physical therapist. Don’t try to jerry-rig your own standing desk without any help — you can cause more problems for yourself than solve.

Most experts recommend some mixture of sitting, standing, and moving around throughout the day to prevent muscle and joint problems. For that reason, the option to stand and work for a few hours could be helpful if you currently spend the whole day sitting. If you’re dealing with some form of chronic pain, talk to one of the physical therapists at In Motion O.C. We can help pinpoint the cause of the pain and work with you to solve it. Give us a call today at 949-861-8600.