As we age, it is common to experience an increase in aches and pains, especially in our back and neck. Nearly 25% of men experience cervical (neck) pain with radiation to the arm by age 45. However, certain jobs, working conditions, or workplace habits can exacerbate these problems or even cause them to start happening earlier than they would otherwise. The good news is that with changes in lifestyle and workstation equipment, these symptoms can improve and even go away completely.
For example, a naval officer presented with severe cervical myelopathy. Cervical myelopathy is a condition caused by the compression of the spinal cord in the neck. It causes symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness in the neck or arms, and problems with coordination, though not all patients experience the same symptoms and some may not even experience much pain. Cervical myelopathy is normally treated with a movement-restricting collar, physical therapy, pain medication, or, in the most severe cases, surgery.
After the naval officer was diagnosed with cervical myelopathy, he purchased a sit-stand desktop workstation from FlexiSpot. The default workstation setup is a traditional desk and office chair, at which the employee sits for 8+ hours a day. Sitting with poor posture can compress and contort the spine, leading to complications such as cervical myelopathy.
Switching to a sit-stand desk allows you to spend at least part of the day standing up, which is what our bodies were designed to do. The key is to stand with correct posture and to use an anti-fatigue mat, which alleviates some of the stress placed on your joints by providing a cushioned, supportive surface to stand on.
When the naval officer started using a sit-stand desk during the workday, he noticed a significant improvement in his cervical myelopathy symptoms, making surgery unnecessary. Using ergonomic office equipment can make a huge difference in your overall health and wellbeing, from preventing obesity and diabetes to alleviating back and neck pain. Explore our range of standing desk products to find the right fit for your workstation and take the first step to making a positive change in your lifestyle.