Back pain hits office staff

More than two-thirds of office workers suffer back pain - but they are not being allowed to take regular breaks to alleviate the problem.

In a survey of almost 2,000 workers carried out last month for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) union, 70% of respondents said they had experienced pain in their back, neck or upper limbs as a result of sitting at their desk or workstation.

And the incidence is higher among women - 75% of them reported neck, back, shoulder, wrist or forearm pain, compared with 65% of male workers.

The survey also found that most workers are chained to their desks for nearly 100 minutes or more at a time. Almost a quarter (23%) do not get up for a break for three hours or more, while 5% remain seated for over six hours.

Physiotherapists recommend that all workers take a break from their workstations every 20 minutes.

"Back pain is still rife in the workplace, resulting in sickness absence and reduced performance," said CSP chair Sarah Bazin.

Noting that many cases could easily be prevented, saving money for employers, Bazin added: "It is vital that employers and the government prioritise the health of the workforce by investing in thorough risk assessments and swift access to rehabilitation services."

The CSP has published a free leaflet, containing advice on avoiding common work-related aches and pains. Fit to work is available at www.csp.org.uk/uploads/documents/CSP_FTW_outside_v2.pdf