I'm a 29-year-old developer struggling with neck pain and sciatica from long hours of coding and my startup work. I think my issues stem from bad posture and an old sports injury. I've tried improving things with a Herman Miller Aeron chair and some morning workouts I found on YouTube, but it's not enough. I'm considering investing $500 in a standing desk to help with my back problems. Has anyone here used one? What was your real experience like?
2 Answers
You might want to look into seeing a physical therapist or hiring a coach at a gym. I've found that exercise guidance was crucial for my recovery and motivation. Sometimes a bit of assistance and camaraderie can work wonders, and if you find the right gym, people might even help out just because they see you in need.
I switched to a standing desk about three months ago, and it’s really helped me. I try to move around at least once every hour, especially when working from home. I use a Smartdesk 5, which is compact and sturdy enough for dual monitors. Just a heads up, I had to turn one monitor to portrait orientation, but it’s actually super helpful for my coding.

I did the stand-up thing last November and haven’t sat down at my desk since. It's an adjustment, but it feels better overall. If you’re looking to save, check out the Smartdesk DIY kit; they often have deals!