#backpain#standingdesk#ergonomics

Standing Desk Science

Studies on Back Pain

By Charles Li

December 8th, 2020

Why Back Pain Matters

Lower back pain is one of the most common health conditions in the United States.

Around 65 million Americans report having a recent episode of back pain. In about 8% of Americans, back pain prevents them from performing some normal daily activities.

Yes, it can get that bad.

It’s also pretty expensive. One economic analysis estimates that lower back pain costs the United States economy around $12 billion per year.

Key Statistics

65 Million

Recent Episodes

Around 65 million Americans report having a recent case of back pain

Strongly Affected

8% of adults report that back pain prevents them from performing daily activities

$12 Billion

cost to society

Lower back pain leads to $12 billion a year in healthcare and indirect costs

Georgetown Health Policy Institute

The Impact of Back Pain: Around 65 Million Americans report having a recent case of back pain. 8% of adults report that back pain prevents them from performing daily activities. Lower back pain leads to $12 Billion a year in healthcare and indirect costs.

Standing Desks and Back Pain

One of the reasons behind our back pain epidemic maybe our jobs that have us sitting behind desks.

Recent studies have suggested that sitting may be a risk factor for back pain, among other health conditions.

In one study, researchers gave standing desks and counseling to some volunteers with back pain. They found those who received this treatment experienced significantly less back pain than those who did not.

n=27 with chronic back pain

Avrg Age: 52

Treatment: Standing Desk + Counseling

Time: 6 Mo.

Percent with Reduced Back Pain

Control

14% with reduced back pain

Intervention

50% with reduced back pain

Gibbs, 2018

A study on standing desks in 27 volunteers with back pain found that those assigned to use a standing desk experienced significantly less back pain than those who were not given a standing desk.

"An intervention coupling behavioural counselling targeting reduced sedentary behaviour and pain self-management is a translatable treatment strategy that shows promise for treating chronic LBP in desk-bound employees."

Gibbs, 2018

Standing Desk Position and Back Pain

Does how you use a standing desk matter? A small study suggests that it might.

Researchers asked a group of 12 volunteers, six of whom had a predisposition to back pain, to periodically rest one of their legs on a small step-stool in order to have their legs at different heights from time to time. After 80 minutes of this exercise, they found that only one member of the group developed back pain.

Without a control, the study is not enough to say whether this particular intervention helps. But, it does suggest this may be something to try if you want to make your work from home standing desk more comfortable.

QuestionDoes having one leg resting higher than the other help with back pain?

Methods

n=6 with chronic back pain

Study Time: 80 minutes

Treatment: Placing one foot on a pedestal intermittently

Results

1/6

Developed back pain after 80 minutes of standing during the study

Fewster et al

A small study suggests that periodically placing your foot on a footrest while using a standing desk may reduce your risk of back pain.

"he intervals of elevated leg standing resulted in increased lumbar spine flexion in comparison to level standing. In addition, over time there was an increase in lumbar spine flexion during the level standing intervals. This change in lumbar spine posture in standing pain developers likely contributed to the reduced LBP development during this prolonged standing intervention."

Fewster et al, 2019

Other Benefits of Standing Desks

Back pain isn’t the only benefit of standing desks.

It turns out that standing desks may also help you burn more calories.

In one study of students using a standing desk, researchers found that students who use the standing desk actually had a lower BMI at the end of the study. A second study found that they actually burn more calories while standing.