Standing desks can help, but the honest answer is more nuanced than 'standing is good, sitting is bad' — standing all day introduces its own strain if done without the same variation principle that makes sitting problematic.
Why standing alone isn't a complete fix
Prolonged static standing can create its own fatigue and lower back strain, just from a different mechanism than sitting — the real issue both share is staying in one position too long, not which position specifically.
Where standing desks genuinely help
Used to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day — not as a full-time standing replacement — they directly address the 'position variability' factor that movement research consistently points to as beneficial.
What matters more than the desk itself
The habit of actually alternating positions and taking movement breaks matters more than owning specific furniture — a standing desk used the same static way as a sitting desk (stand all day, never move) doesn't solve the underlying issue.
What's a reasonable sit-stand ratio at a standing desk?
There's no single mandated ratio, but many ergonomic guides suggest alternating every 30-60 minutes, with total standing time built up gradually rather than switching to all-day standing immediately.