Almost a third of Brits experience work related pain every week

A new study has found that a surprisingly high number of Brits are suffering from frequent pain or injuries while at work.

The research, conducted by hot tub and hydrotherapy specialists,
Jacuzzi,
revealed that almost a third (32%) of Brits experience work related pain every week, with lower
back pain topping the list as the most common work-related affliction and 43% of people claimed their work environment caused them to suffer back pain.

However, it is not just lower back pain that is felt by workers, the survey found that neck (37%) and shoulder pain (31%) is common too.

Top 10 areas of the body experiencing pain due to the work environment are:

1.
Lower back

2.
Neck

3.
Shoulders

4.
Upper back

5.
Hands

6.
Head

7.
Arms

8.
Knees

9.
Feet

10.
Legs

The research also asked workers across a range of occupations about their experiences of pain in the workplace. The results found it was office workers who were most likely to need time off due to a work injury or strain.

Nearly a quarter (23%) of construction workers have taken between one and two weeks off work due to pain or injury at work, with 31% saying
they felt pain due to work more than once a week.

In comparison, over half (56%) of office workers have never taken time off work due to injury at work, despite 58% claiming to feel pain more
than once a month due to their work environment.

Many episodes of pain can be the result of strains and over-exertion at work, creating tension in the muscles and soft tissues all over the
body. As a result, this restricts proper circulation and sends pain signals to the brain.1

There are multiple ways to treat and manage pain from pain management medication, physiotherapy or heat therapy. For any pain and stiffness,
the use of heat is a convenient way to get some relief as the heat dilates local blood vessels and increases blood flow, which may improve blood circulation in the painful or stiff area while warming up the muscles and other soft tissues, increasing flexibility,
and reducing muscle tightness.2