Ryan Wild
Back pain is one of the leading causes of work-related discomfort, but for one UK journalist, swapping her traditional workstation for a standing desk proved to be life-changing.
A Sudden Turn: From Active to Immobilised
In 2019, Rachel Dixon was living an energetic lifestyle—cycling to work, boxing, playing basketball, and practicing yoga. Her days were packed with physical activity, until one seemingly harmless act brought everything to a halt. After lifting a large, awkward box, she experienced a twinge in her back. What initially seemed minor quickly escalated. The next morning, she was unable to move without sobbing in pain. Her physical health seem to be deteriorating quickly.
She eventually managed to stand upright, inch by inch, only to find that sitting was unbearable. Online advice and a GP visit suggested muscle spasms and recommended rest, ice, and stretching—but nothing worked. Only after several agonising weeks did a private MRI scan finally reveal the truth: she had a herniated disc pressing on her sciatic nerve.
The Desk That Changed Everything
Despite starting physiotherapy, Rachel’s recovery plateaued when she returned to her office job. Long hours at a desk left her stiff and aching, often triggering relapses. It became clear that sitting was exacerbating her condition. Her solution? A standing desk. The latest buzz health move of the decade!
With her employer’s approval, she acquired an adjustable desk that allowed her to switch between sitting and standing. But sitting rarely worked—she stood almost all day. At first, she found it exhausting, and it took a few weeks for her body to adjust. Writing articles while standing was difficult at first, but answering emails or attending meetings became easier. Over time, even complex tasks became manageable.
“I felt like a meerkat on lookout duty,” she joked, recalling how she stood while her colleagues remained seated. Yet her experience began to inspire others. Co-workers with back pain began requesting standing desks of their own.
A Wider Workplace Issue
Rachel’s personal success with a standing desk shines a spotlight on a broader workplace problem. According to recent statistics, only about 1% of UK office workers have access to a sit-stand workstation, despite growing evidence linking prolonged sitting to serious health risks such as heart disease, obesity, and early death. In contrast, countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have embraced ergonomic flexibility, with more than 80% of office workers using adjustable desks. In Denmark, it’s even a legal requirement for employers to offer sit-stand setups. They take health a bit more serious it would seem.
Studies also show that alternating between sitting and standing can improve energy, focus, and posture—reducing musculoskeletal issues over time. But awareness and availability remain low in the UK.
The Road to Recovery—and Prevention
Today, Rachel stands for most of her working hours, whether in the office or at home. When at home, she improvises by stacking her laptop on a pile of books. She takes regular breaks to move around and avoids standing still for too long, which can also pose health risks. Most importantly, she’s more mindful of posture and lifting technique.
She hasn’t experienced severe back pain in over five years and credits the standing desk, along with lifestyle changes, for that streak. Inspired by a recent global study confirming exercise as one of the few effective non-surgical treatments for lower back pain, she’s even considering upgrading to a treadmill desk.
Rethinking Office Culture
Rachel’s story is not just about recovery—it’s a call to reimagine how we work. Many office environments still prioritize aesthetics and tradition over employee health. The standing desk might seem like a small change, but as Rachel’s experience shows, it can have a profound impact on quality of life.
As the modern workplace continues to evolve post-pandemic—with hybrid setups, work-from-home norms, and digital collaboration—now might be the perfect time for employers to rethink their approach to ergonomics. Providing healthier alternatives to sedentary routines isn’t just good for employees—it could also mean fewer sick days, higher productivity, and happier teams.
If one desk can change a life, maybe it’s time we all stood up and took notice.
Isma May
