I saw this headline, “Why ‘Unbalanced’ Muscles Can Cause You Pain,” and had to dig deeper. What are unbalanced muscles? Do I have them? Do our customers? At Xybix, our values include creating healthier workspaces and caring for those who serve others. I wanted to know more—and make sure our desks help prevent muscle imbalances for 911 dispatchers, healthcare workers, radiologists, and other professionals.

First of all, what is muscle imbalance? It happens when one side of a muscle group becomes stronger than the other—often due to repetitive motion. According to Cedars Sinai, this throws off movement patterns and “can put additional stress on different parts of the body…potentially causing injury.” Lack of movement, like prolonged sitting, can also lead to imbalance.

Here’s a common example: you’re right-handed and doom-scroll with that hand every night. Your wrist gets sore, so you switch to the left, which is weaker. Next thing you know, your left wrist is sore and your right shoulder hurts from reaching. That’s muscle imbalance.

So how do you know if you have it? Look for:

• Persistent, unexplained pain
• Limited range of motion
• Visible size or strength differences in muscles

These imbalances often cause us to move differently—leading to more pain.

Causes include too much repetitive motion (in sports, exercise, or work) or too little (hello, desk life). The New York Times reports up to 70% of office workers with neck pain have muscle imbalances. WebMD points to sedentary lifestyles and tight hip muscles from constant sitting. Add in slouching, neck craning, and uneven weight distribution, and it’s no wonder imbalance is so common.

That’s where ergonomic sit-to-stand desks come in.

Fixing Muscle Imbalance

When it comes to sports injuries, consult a medical pro. But desk-related imbalance? That’s where ergonomic experts like us can help. Solutions are simple but require consistency:

• Alternate between sitting and standing – Stand 1 hour for every 1–2 hours worked.
• Check your posture – Stay aligned vertically and wear supportive shoes.
• Adjust monitors – Keep them at arm’s length and just below eye level.
• Neutral wrists when typing – Elbows at 90° and wrists straight. Make sure your desk height supports this.
• Primary reach zone – Keep frequently used items within easy reach to reduce strain.

After everything I’ve read, I feel confident recommending sit-to-stand desks to help prevent muscle imbalance. All Xybix desks meet or exceed ergonomic standards—and our team is always happy to help people find the right setup for their bodies. After all, one of our mantras is “Why Ergonomics? Because Helping People Shouldn’t Hurt.”

Have any questions? As always, just let us know!