A European study confirmed that the body does not respond well to staying in a fixed position for long periods, and that remaining in one position for continuous periods may lead to disorders in the musculoskeletal system.
We often hear the saying, "Sitting is the new smoking." While this statement is striking and reflects a real problem, it's also an oversimplification. If sitting were always the worst thing, standing alone would be enough to solve the problem, but the reality is more complex.
Millions of people do not consider standing a healthy option, but a professional necessity, as workers in hospitals and factories, teachers, salespeople, and hairdressers spend long hours standing, which also negatively affects their health.
A recent study showed that musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common health problems in workplaces in Europe, including back, neck, shoulder, leg and foot pain.
Is it better to work sitting or standing?
Actually, the question might be misleading, as the problem isn't the posture itself, but rather the duration and level of movement throughout the day. Sitting for extended periods can cause problems in the lower back, neck, and shoulders, while prolonged standing is associated with fatigue, lower back pain, and increased pressure on the legs and feet. The difference lies in the type of pain, but the result is the same: both are harmful if they persist for too long.
The study confirms that staying in any fixed position for extended periods is harmful to the body, and that the solution lies in changing positions and moving regularly during the workday.
When discussing work-related pain, the focus is often on the back, but the truth is that the problem begins in the feet. The feet are the body's mechanical foundation, bearing weight, distributing pressure, and transferring it through the joints to the spine. When they are subjected to prolonged strain without rest, the rest of the body is affected.
A study on assembly line workers also showed that standing all day leads to changes in body posture and pressure distribution on the soles of the feet, in addition to recurrent pain in the lower back, knees and feet.
It is noteworthy that the response of the feet varies from person to person, which explains the variation in the sensation of pain despite the similarity of working conditions.
As for the solution, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work recommends diversifying positions, increasing movement, and reducing the time spent in any fixed position.
Although solutions such as adjustable desks and comfortable chairs are available, they do not replace the basics, which are: taking short and regular breaks, improving the work environment, wearing appropriate shoes, and engaging in physical activity.
