Scoliosis is not a manageable condition to live with. Usually associated with a C or S curve in the spine, it is an incurable and progressive condition usually discovered during childhood.
When immediately treated, serious complications can be prevented, and the person can carry on with their life.
However, adults can develop scoliosis too, and depending on the severity, treatment isn’t always as straightforward.
So, are standing desks good for working adults living with scoliosis?
The answer is yes, but not directly. Standing desks can be beneficial because they stop you from sitting still all day, which negatively impacts your back.
Ideally, you should incorporate gentle exercise alongside switching between sitting and standing positions at work, and a standing desk makes that possible.
It’s how you incorporate more movement and exercise in your day by taking advantage of a standing desk.
Remember, standing still for hours is just as bad for your spine as sitting still for hours is, maybe even worse.
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Why Do Adults Develop Scoliosis?
When you think of scoliosis, the image is of a spinal disorder that begins at a younger age or in adolescence.
However, as mentioned above, adults can also develop the condition – even if they’ve never had it during their childhood.
When children develop scoliosis, it’s usually called “adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.”
For adults, the common form of scoliosis is called “degenerative (or de novo) scoliosis,” and it’s characterized by our discs and joints degenerating and cascading from one level to the next.
Developing scoliosis later in life is due to several reasons, although there’s still no definite answer as to why.
Sometimes, it’s a case of undiagnosed pediatric scoliosis, while sometimes, it’s the result of our body naturally degenerating as we age.
Regardless of the reason, the best thing to do after developing scoliosis is immediately get checked and find out how severe it is, in order to get the appropriate treatment.
Are There Benefits to Using a Standing Desk for Scoliosis?
If you have mild scoliosis that doesn’t require surgery, then a standing desk can be beneficial for your back, but it’s all up to how you use it.
When standing desks were first introduced, they were advertised as being able to help you lose weight, all while reversing the adverse effects of sitting for hours.
However, this is false since standing isn’t enough, nor will it cure your scoliosis.
Instead, the main benefit of a standing desk is that it stops you from sitting all day, while also providing you with an incentive to be more active or incorporate more movement into your routine.
Note that if you have scoliosis, the best solution while in an office setting is to get gentle exercise on a daily basis, which is easier to do with a standing desk.
You can alternate between sitting and standing to help alleviate some pressure from your back.
When standing, make sure that you’re not leaning on one side, as that puts asymmetrical pressure on your spine.
On the other hand, get a good pillow or use while sitting.
Then, take some time off to stretch your body and walk around. When combined together, these habits should help improve your posture and relieve any scoliosis pain.
Keep in mind to always hold a positive attitude toward movement and exercise.
How Should You Sit at a Desk with Scoliosis?
As mentioned above, standing for too long when you’re used to sitting at a desk is likely going to make you feel more tired, so be careful not to push yourself.
As for sitting, place all your weight on your buttocks and thighs while keeping your back straight.
Keep your pelvis neutral, and try to sit in such a way wherein your knees will be positioned lower than your hips. This should put you in a relaxed position without making your body slouch.
If there’s a need for it, then wearing a will also help provide support.
Of course, getting a chair with lumbar support or cushions will make a significant difference. Luckily most good office chairs have this.
If that’s not the case in your office, or if you’re working remotely, then this from BestOffice will provide good lumbar support at an affordable price.
The comes recommended thanks to its breathable mesh construction and adjustability for an office chair with a headrest.
Can a Desk Job Cause Scoliosis?
No. The vast majority of scoliosis cases are not caused by a single source, as people who have congenital scoliosis are born with the condition.
However, sitting slumped on a desk can cause lower back problems and bad posture, which can aggravate your scoliosis or make it harder to move around.
Poor posture is harmful in general, with the effects taking their toll on you the more you age.
If you’re using a computer for work, then raising the monitor to your eye level should help straighten your posture to a more comfortable level.
This is why it’s important to have proper posture, regardless of whether you’re working at an office or home.
Final Thoughts
While scoliosis is inevitable for people that are born with it, there are still plenty of things you can do to make life easier for you and your spine.
Aside from a host of treatments, scoliosis can be better managed by engaging in daily light exercise and making an effort to move around more at work or switching to a standing desk set-up.
While these things are little, building the habit of doing them consistently will help set you up for a more comfortable future.
Make a significant effort to fix your posture, and you only stand to benefit from it more as time passes.
My name is Vance, and I am the owner of To Ergonomics. Our mission is to improve your workflow by helping you create a supportive and welcoming environment. We hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for while you’re here.