Are Standing Desks Good for Back Pain? Pros and Cons

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If you’re suffering from back pain and are considering to invest in a standing desk to manage and find relief from the pain, then you are on the right track. A standing desk is a top ergonomic addition to any workplace, designed to help people break prolonged sitting by adding standing time to their day.

woman on standing desk

But how effective really is a standing desk? What are the benefits, and are there health risks to its use? Read on to find out more.

A Quick Look at Electric Standing Desks

Contrary to traditional fixed desks, standing desks are designed to adjust in height, from a lower height to cater to those who are seated to a taller height for those times when you want to work standing. Electric desks are able to do this with the help of a motor, and all you have to do is to preset your desired height and then press a keypad to adjust the desk to the said height. 

In most offices, standing desks are used to make people more active and productive. Paired with adjustable chairs, these desks can convert a traditional office into an ergonomic office, making the space more conducive for work.

The Pros of a Standing Desk

The benefits of a standing desk are closely related to the benefits offered by standing, which are the following:

Reduces back pain

Perhaps the most immediate benefit, the use of a standing desk can take pressure off the lower back and promote better posture, thus helping reduce back pain.

Reduced sitting time

… Which means breaking your sedentary lifestyle at work. Standing desks will allow you to spend less time sitting, reducing health risks such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, among many other conditions.

Increased calorie burn

Standing burns more calories than sitting, so it’s a good way to shed all those extras even as you work. 

Improved posture

By alternating between sitting and standing, you give your spine, shoulders, and your entire body a chance to reset and stretch, keeping them in their natural shape.

man working on a laptop

The Cons of a Standing Desk

Are there risks to the use of a standing desk? Well, there are. And the more you are aware about them, the more you can do something to prevent them. Take a look at the following:

Fatigue

This is especially common if you are just starting to make the switch to more standing at work. Standing for long periods of time can be tiring, especially if you are not used to it. The secret is to take it slow and take some time to build the habit gradually, adding more minutes to your standing time everyday until you reach a point where you become comfortable with it.

Foot pain

Apart from fatigue, standing for long hours can cause foot pain and discomfort. However, you can alleviate and prevent the pain by wearing comfortable shoes. Ditch the high heels while you are in your workstation, and wear flats when standing while working.

Cost

One of the common reasons people hesitate to invest in a standing desk is the high price tag it often comes with. Compared to regular fixed desks, standing desks can go upwards of a thousand dollars, depending on the type and features you go for. The good thing is that there are more and more standing desk options available in the market now, and there are desks offered at affordable rates.

Here in MotionGrey, we offer standing desks that are excellent in quality and available at lower rates. We have desks as low as $300 to about $500, and they are made from high-quality materials and equipped with the world-class Bosch motors. 

So, are standing desks a good investment? The answer is a resounding yes! They are good for your health, your productivity, and they can help you avoid the many health conditions associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

If you need a new standing desk, head over to our catalog to find the right one for you!

workstation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much calories does standing burn?
  • According to research, your body burns as much as 100 to 200 calories for every hour you stand, compared to the 60 to 130 calories you burn when sitting. The difference is not very significant, but it can add up when you alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. 

    It is also important to ensure that you stay active by exercising and finding other opportunities to move throughout your day.

  • What are the most important standing desk features to look into?
  • Three of the most important standing desk features to check will be its motor, its lifting capacity, and its height range.

    Motor. Check whether you need a single motor or a dual motor desk. The latter packs more power and enables the desk to carry more, although a single motor will be more affordable.

    Lifting Capacity. Do you need to place a lot of equipment on the desk? Make sure that the desk can carry all that weight. Choose one with a high weight capacity.

    Height Range. Some desks are designed for taller users, while others are for shorter ones. Depending on your height, be sure to choose a desk that will match you well. 

  • How much is a reasonable amount to spend on a standing desk?
  • When you shop for desks, you will find ones available as low as $200 and desks offered as high as $5000. The determining factors are often the features, the designs, and the materials they’re made of. But do you really need to spend thousands of dollars on a standing desk? The answer will depend on what features you’re looking for.

    If all you want is a decent desk that can help you transition to a more active lifestyle at work, you can get that without spending too much. For as low as $500, you can have a dual-motor desk that can carry a decent amount of weight. If you want a more customized option with extra features, then you can have one for $1000-$1500. The most important thing to check is that your chosen desk has the features you need.

    About Us

    MotionGrey is a Canadian standing desk company that specializes in ergonomic furniture. We supply and install only the best quality standing desks and ergonomic chairs in the country. We offer free shipping within Canada and the US.

    What made you switch to standing desks? Our products are designed with wellness as the focal point. From our electric standing desks to our office and gaming chairs, we deliver best value by putting your health, safety, and comfort as top priority. Boost your creativity and level up work performance. We want you to create great outcomes so we’re providing you only the best tools to make them possible.

    If you are not satisfied with your purchase, check out our Refund Policy.

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