Working lives are leaving 18.5 million1 of the population in back pain agony, as 62%2 of us spend eight and a half hours a day in front of a computer screen3, lugging more than four kilograms4 around on our backs on our daily commutes. The crippling results lead to 105 million days off sick a year, at a cost of over £8.3 billion5 to the economy and a more concerning overall cost to the nation’s future health.

This analysis of the impact of our modern working lives comes from the MBT Academy’s ‘Crippling Careers’ Report*, looking at the physical impact of our modern working lives as we enter a recession. With 17 million of us in desk bound careers6, one in four putting in more than 48 hours a week7, and 70% commuting daily with laptops*, gym bags and handbags on our shoulders, compounded by one in five failing to exercise even once a week, experts are issuing a warning to workers and employers alike that our daily routine is leading to a cocktail of work related back abuse that could cost us dearly, financially and medically.

Despite one in three of us* saying we feel back pain every day, we seem resigned to it as a fact of life. Less than half of sufferers (48%)* have mentioned it to their GP, and even those that have, sit (painfully!) in silence for over a year. Scarily, rather than seek a solution to our aches, we’re most likely to pop pills to combat the pain, with 51% turning to painkillers as a quick fix solution and 4%* even resorting to drink. The North East is home to the most pain- killer users, with 60%* self-medicating compared to just 34% of Londoners. The Welsh are most likely to turn to drink as a way to dull the pain, compared to abstemious East Anglians who don’t touch a drop.

This laissez faire attitude worries experts who say, over time, ignoring or self-treating niggling twinges could lead to a whole host of health problems including degenerative disc disease, sciatica and prevent us carrying out simple day to day activities.

Joshua Wies, Director of the MBT Academy says: “Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people look after their backs, as the current economic climate dictates that longer working hours will become the norm. Poor posture, from long hours hunched in front of computer screens, and a lack of exercise, all contribute to muscle weakness, the cause of most cases of back pain. Including pioneering, body-toning footwear, like MBTs, into your wardrobe will aid postural alignment, activate the core muscles that support the spine and joints, and provide a safe and gentle form of exercise whenever you stand or walk, and hopefully keep you pain free!”

Apprentice star, Claire Young, agrees: “Long hours have always been the norm for me, which meant I was regularly working twelve hour days, either stuck at my desk, or in long meetings, and mostly in high heels. Eventually, I started paying the price with my health. What first started as twinges in my back became much more serious and meant I was taking painkillers almost daily just to be able to go to work. While we can’t escape long hours, especially in a recession, we can look after our backs and this means wearing shoes that look after your whole body, so you don’t have to compromise your health or your career.”

The unique, patented sole of the MBT helps to improve posture and muscle activity of the legs and core muscles, makes you stand up taller and straighter and therefore helps to take strain off the back.

Back Pain Capital
East Anglia is the UK’s back pain capital with 74% suffering from the effects compared to just 55% of people in Northern Ireland. Twenty per cent of East Anglians say their back pain is so bad it stops them carrying out their daily activities, more than anywhere else in the country.

First Jobs – First Twinge
It is the busy Londoner that suffers earliest. Those living in the capital feel back pain younger than anywhere else with 66% saying they first experience it before they turn 30, in contrast to just 37% of people from the West Country.

Stiff Upper Lips – Stiffer Upper Backs
The Welsh are the bravest with those suffering taking on average only three days off a year, compared to folks from the North East who take over nine days off a year because of back pain.

Back Breakers
Scots are the most likely to load up with 85% carrying a laptop, gym kits and shopping bags compared to 53% of featherweight Northern Irish.

Tottering Through The Glass Ceiling
With their wardrobe of stilettos and ultra high heels, female high flyers may look the part in the boardroom, however, last year, back pain meant they took 43 million days off work, at a cost of £2.5 billion to British businesses.