Standing desks are starting to become the new normal in many workplaces.
While standing desks can be a healthy change for your work ergonomics, there are some key tips you should follow to ensure you are getting the most benefit from your new desk.
Many of our patients in Frankston that experience low back pain, neck pain and tension, sciatica and tight upper back muscles have found that a standing desk can decrease the postural stress and discomfort from a long day at the office.
In this article, our Frankston Chiropractors highlight 5 important tips to make sure your standing desk is being used correctly.
1. Avoiding standing the WHOLE day
This is the most common misconception and mistake we see with our patients who transition to a standing desk.
While standing is far better for your spinal health than sitting – an incremental progression to using the standing desk (from sitting) is key.
Frequently changing from sitting to standing, and standing to sitting, is not only more sustainable but also less fatiguing on the body as you adapt to this new work position.
Our chiropractors in Frankston recommend switching from 30 minutes standing to 30 minutes sitting throughout the day. A timer can be helpful in keeping you on track.
Also consider any existing injuries or discomfort you may already have – being mindful not to stress your body too much.
2. Keep moving
Avoid becoming a statue – small movements frequently throughout the day will help reduce fatigue from prolonged periods standing at the desk.
Staying light on your feet by shifting your weight from side to side, and frequent walks can prevent the strain of being in a fixed standing position for hours on end.
3. Correct footwear
Modern shoes – particularly business attire – are not designed for comfort or considerate of your body’s ergonomics.
Consider bringing a pair of runners to work – or even going barefoot!
We strongly recommend avoiding high heels when using a standing desk. The position that this form of footwear places the body in can increase the stress on the knees and increase low back pain when standing for prolonged periods of time.
4. Don’t ditch the ergonomics
Make sure you maintain an ergonomic setup – keeping the monitor at the right height in alignment with the eyes, an appropriate keyboard and mouse, and not too much anterior head carriage!
Often people will ditch the ergonomics when standing – please keep up the good practices!
5. Start with a good foundation – get those pain issues sorted
Before transitioning to a standing desk, get those underlying pains and niggles addressed.
A common thought is that the standing desk will sort out and eliminate any discomfort and pain from a long day sitting at the desk.
Unfortunately however, most of our patients find that the standing desk is not a silver bullet – and can actually worsen things like low back pain due to increased stress throughout the region from changes in weight bearing of the spine.
Don’t put off your pain and discomfort any longer.
Before changing from a sitting desk to a standing desk, consult with on of our Frankston chiropractors to help identify the underlying cause of your specific discomfort or pain.
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Like a leaf, you have a central spine, that is responsible for the overall form and function.⠀
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Get more freedom in 2021, come and see how our chiros in Frankston can improve your function 🌿