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Why Standing Desks Still Need Back Support—and What to Use

Why Standing Desks Still Need Back Support—and What to Use

, by ActiveWork Team, 4 min reading time

Switched to a standing desk but still have back pain? Discover why back support is crucial and explore the best options, including lumbar support, leaning stools, and the innovative back hammock.

So you’ve made the switch to a standing desk—goodbye, sedentary slump!

You’re moving more, feeling better… until that nagging lower back pain starts to kick in. Turns out, standing all day isn’t a magic fix for posture problems.

Even when you’re on your feet, your back still needs some support.

Actually, Alan Hedge, a Cornell University professor specializing in ergonomics recommends leaning on a support while standing could prevent Back Pain.  

This guide will walk you through why back support is crucial for standing desk users and explore the best solutions to keep you comfortable and productive.

Standing Desks: A Step Forward, But Not the Whole Solution

Standing desks have revolutionized the way we work, offering an alternative to prolonged sitting.

However, without proper support, you’re likely to shift your weight, lock your knees, and let your posture falter. This can lead to muscle fatigue, strain on your lower back, and discomfort that distracts you from your work.

The goal of a standing desk isn't to stand rigidly for eight hours a day, but to encourage movement and healthier postures. That’s where back support comes in.

Finding Your Perfect Fit: Top Back Support Solutions for Standing Desks

Unlike that you can use a good lumbar support pillow in your chair while sitting, back support solution for standing desk needs to be creative since you are standing!

Fortunately,  we have a few choices:

1. Leaning Stools

Leaning stools, also known as standing desk chairs, are designed to let you take a load off without fully sitting. They encourage an “active sitting” posture that engages your core and keeps your spine in a more neutral position than a traditional chair.

  • Product Spotlight: Vari Active Seat

A popular choice for its simplicity and wide range of motion, the Vari Active Seat has a tilting, rocking base that allows you to move and stay engaged while taking a break from standing.

  • Product Spotlight: LeanRite Elite

 It offers a wide variety of posture supporting positions from leaning to sitting & standing. LeanRite Elite can be used as a standing stool or perching chair.

All of those are solid made products and can help relieve back pain while you standing.

The down side?

Price. They range from $300 to $700!

They do not directly support your back or lumbar.

Plus, with leaning stools, you're still essentially sitting—whether you're slightly shifting your weight or perching against a padded support.

Doesn’t that go against the original goal of using a standing desk, which is to stand rather than sit, and to move around instead of staying static?

2. Back Hammock

Another solution is the back hammock.  This device attaches to your desk and provides a supportive hammock for your lower back, allowing you to lean back and relieve pressure while standing.

  • Product Spotlight: ActiveWork Back Hammock System

 The ActiveWork Back Hammock System is the pioneer in this category. It’s designed to be easily adjustable and provides a gentle leaning support toward your back that can help you stand comfortably for longer. It’s a great way to your standing routine and give your back a much-needed break.

Unlike leaning stools, the back hammock offers targeted support for your back while standing, keeping your entire body engaged and free to move. It's also more affordable, priced under $100.

How to Choose the Right Back Support for You

How do you pick the best back support for your standing desk setup? Consider the following:

  • Your Work Style: Do you prefer to stand for long stretches or switch between sitting and standing frequently? If you stand more, a leaning stool or back hammock might be ideal. If you split your time, a quality lumbar support for your chair is also a must.
  • Your Pain Points: Is your pain primarily in your lower back? The back hammock offers targeted support. Do you feel fatigue in your legs and back? A leaning stool can provide more comprehensive relief.
  • Your Budget: Back support options range from affordable back hammock system to more premium leaning stools. Determine what you’re comfortable spending to narrow down your choices.

Or, a good combination is to integrate both the leaning stool and the back hammock in your ergonomic set-up! 

Don’t Stand for Discomfort

A standing desk is a fantastic investment in your health and well-being, but it’s not a complete solution on its own. By incorporating the right back support, you can combat fatigue, reduce pain, and truly reap the rewards of a more active workday.

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