The Top 6 Benefits of a Standing Desk For Your Back

Last updated on November 25th, 2020

Are you working from home due to COVID-19? 

We’ve got some great news for you.

You are now free from the tyranny of non-adjustable, static, and unhealthy standard office desks. 

That’s right – you can say goodbye to those clunky, one-size fits all, and back-breaking static desks. 

And you’re not alone. In fact, you could accurately describe the migration to standing desks as a movement. In the last year, online searches for standing desks have increased 136%. 

So, what’s the big deal? Why are standing desks important for back health?

We are glad you asked and we are here to give you the top six benefits of a standing desk for your back.

Like always, there’s no need to blindly take our word for it. We cite health and medical authorities throughout the rest of this article. 

With that said, here’s why standing desks matter for your back health:

#1: We were made to move.

We say this all the time at Posturre. But it’s a clear fact of biology.

An adjustable standing desk allows you to move so much more throughout your day and as you work.

The cascading effects of more movement seem to be far-reaching: there’s evidence that suggests that standing reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. (NOTE: for a further discussion about the calories burned, go to the end of this list)

#2: You need to be able to switch between sitting and standing.

If you’re working at a desk all day, this is the best way to put the least amount of stress on the spine. Here’s the logic: 

1. Standing all day = fantastic for the spinal discs in your lower back but tougher on facet and sacroiliac (SI) joints. And it can also be hard on your feet (think plantar fasciitis).  . 
2. Sitting all day = easier on your feet and joints but rougher on your lower spinal discs. 
3. Conclusion: You need to switch it up.

#3: Standing desks give you three fantastic and different positions.

You can alternate between sitting back against the lumbar support, sitting on the edge of your seat with your knees below your hips, and standing.

All are great for back health. 

#4: Customizable desk height for perfect posture.

It’s pretty simple…

1. Perfect desk height exists for the sitting and standing positions.
2. Every person is different.
3. Therefore, everyone’s perfect desk height is different and we can pretty much guarantee that your perfect desk height doesn’t fit a cookie cutter height like 30 inches – it probably reads more like 27.385 inches. 
4. In conclusion, an adjustable standing desk is likely the only option if you want to have your desk at the perfect height for your back. 

#5: You will burn more calories.

Let’s be clear: this is NOT an exercise or weight loss strategy. There’s no shortage of researchers and doctors who will reiterate this. But, standing while you work is an extra tool in the toolbox for preventing weight gain. On average, you will burn roughly 50 to 87 more calories per day by standing while you work rather than sitting. If that doesn’t sound like much, then keep in mind that one pound of fat equals roughly 3,000 calories. Thus, if you work 5 days per week for 48 weeks in a year, then a standing desk could help prevent 4 to 6.96 lbs of added fat. That’s not shabby.

#6: Your desk can be comfortably used by multiple people.

This is reminiscent of our previous point which mentions that every person’s ideal desk height is different.

Now, as you and other family members are perhaps all working from home, your desk can be used at the perfect height by multiple people.

Conclusion

Still not convinced that it’s worth spending some cash on an adjustable standing desk? Don’t forget that you spend basically 50% of your weekdays in front of a desk and that physical therapy co-pays are frequently $50 or more for one visit. Let’s not even talk about the costs of back surgery!

In conclusion, if you are still dead set against an adjustable standing desk, then we aren’t sure how to help you.  

Seriously, we feel that strongly about it. 

Otherwise, check out our recommendations for the best standing desks for your back pain on any budget in 2020.