Standing or Sitting? Which Is Better for Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease can certainly be exacerbated by sitting.  People with this condition often find that sitting for long periods can cause them a lot of pain, so they tend to favor standing.

While we understand why people think that’s the answer, we need to be honest and say that it’s only a partial solution to the problem.  This is not an “either/or” question.

“Standing or sitting?  Which is better for degenerative disc disease?”, is a question we hear a lot and to which we always give a nuanced answer.

Yin & Yang

There’s a lot of discussion around the sitting vs. standing question and not all of it acknowledges what we’ve said above.  Sitting and standing are not necessarily binary opposites.  They’re basically yin and yang (balance).

Standing for long periods of time can cause just as much pain as sitting can.  The secret is finding balance in the two positions and offering your body opportunities to adjust, regularly.  And that means getting up from a sitting position to move around and to sit occasionally if you favor a standing position.

Balance is key here! Remember – yin and yang.

Adjustable Workstations

Now that people are coming to realize that standing isn’t necessarily the best way to work all day, adjustable workstations have come into play.  These allow you to shift back and forth.  With tiers that allow you to change your position quickly and easily, these are just the thing to put the standing vs. sitting discussion to bed, once and for all.

Also known as sit-stand desks, adjustable workstations are the perfect answer for people who suffer from degenerative disc disease.  They provide the best of both worlds.

Take a break & stretch!

Compelling people to either sit or stand for the duration of a working day is a mistake.  Both positions take a toll when not punctuated with time for breaks to change to the alternate position, or to stretch.

This is key – you need to stretch so you can re-align and strengthen your body.  Even walking around the office, or around the block when the weather permits, changes the way you feel, both physically and mentally.

Breaks aren’t a luxury.  They’re a necessity.

Stretching your back, shoulders, quadriceps and gluteus muscles throughout the day not only helps you avoid the pain associated with prolonged periods of sitting and standing, it can radically change your outlook.  After a brief, intentional stretch, you’ll feel energized and ready to go back to work.

Many workplaces offer their staff gym facilities, or even Yoga.  If your workplace features such a perk, by all means take advantage!

At Advanced Spine, we care about your well being.  Standing or Sitting?  Which is better for degenerative disc disease?  Response:  Balance is everything.

When you get right down to it, standing and sitting are exactly like yin and yang – they complement each other.

Find the right balance for you, supported by targeted stretching and feel better throughout your work day.  To find out more, contact us.