It may help your heart\u201a but standing desks are not proven to help with back strain from computer use. Instead\u201a the simplest advice is the best: change your position regularly.<\/p>\n
This is according to Prof Quinette Louw of the Division of Physiotherapy at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Stellenbosch University.<\/p>\n
Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular and many office workers use this novel gadget to help relieve back pain\u201a she said in a statement to coincide with World Spine Day on 16 October.<\/p>\n
However\u201a the standing desk was originally designed to reduce the risk of heart disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cResearch has linked sitting for long periods of time \u2013 like most office workers do \u2013 with an increased risk of heart disease. Using the standing desk engages more muscles and increases a person\u2019s metabolic rate\u201a which could be protective against heart diseases.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn general most people purchase a standing desk to relieve spinal pain and they are not aware of its potential benefits for cardiovascular health\u201a\u201d Prof Louw said.<\/p>\n
She is currently leading an evidence review with Dr Sjan-Marie van Niekerk to evaluate the evidence into the effects of standing desks.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvidence that standing desks relieves spinal pain is sparse and results on the effect of standing desks on spinal pain are inconsistent between studies.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt could potentially relieve pain in some people\u201a but it should not be regarded \u2018a one-size-fits-all solution\u2019 to relieve spinal pain\u201a\u201d Louw said.<\/p>\n
The standing desk could even be bad for some people\u201a she noted\u201a urging back pain sufferers to take professional advice on the underlying pathology of the spine.<\/p>\n
For instance\u201a if you have osteoarthritis\u201a increased spinal joint compression while standing for long periods may increase pain. A common misconception about standing desks is that many people think they should stand for prolonged periods\u201a but current guidelines suggest that standing should be done at intervals of 15 to 20 minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaintaining any position for too long\u201a whether you are sitting or standing\u201a could strain the neural\u201a muscle and joint systems and cause pain. Changing your position regularly is thus important and a standing desk adds value by providing an alternative working position\u201a\u201d Prof Louw said.<\/p>\n
Her top tips on how to keep your spine healthy while working on computers:<\/p>\n
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