Using a stand-up desk for 1 hour per day may help alleviate your back pain and boost your mood.
See Lower Back Pain Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Back pain is the most common work-related injury. But there are several ergonomic changes that can be made to prevent back pain in the workplace. Read Ergonomics of the Office and Workplace: An Overview
Sound too good to be true? Read on to learn more:
Before we look at the possible benefits of a stand-up desk, let's talk about the risks associated with excessive sitting. Complications may include:
See The New Health Epidemic: Sitting Disease
It is important to note that good posture can help minimize some of the risks associated with excessive sitting, but it is not a cure-all.
See Good Posture Helps Reduce Back Pain
In a 2011 study, participants experienced less upper back pain, less neck pain, and an improved mood by simply sitting 66 minutes less per day.1
See Workplace Ergonomics and Neck Pain
Participants in the study held sedentary office jobs. Researchers provided the participants with a device that allowed them to sit or stand at their desks throughout the course of the study.
See Work Ergonomics: Minimize Back Injuries
The participants were given the choice to sit or stand as much, or as little, as they pleased. On average, the group ended up sitting around 1 hour less each day—but this was enough to realize statistically significant health benefits.
As mentioned previously, the benefits of less sitting were not only physical. Participants reported decreased fatigue, tension, confusion, and depression—all gained by sitting 66 minutes less per day.
See Depression and Chronic Back Pain
Moreover, the following benefits were reported:
Toward the end of the study, the office workers’ sit-to-stand desks were removed, and their moods and pain levels went back to baseline.
One clear takeaway from this study is that you may benefit from the daily use of a stand-up desk. Here are some tips to help get you started:
See Ergonomics of the Office and Workplace: An Overview
As a bonus, you may only need to use a stand-up desk for 1 or 2 hours per day to reap significant health benefits.
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