HEALTH Back pain linked to stress at work
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Work can be a pain in the back if you are unhappy and under stress, a research study has shown. General dissatisfaction with work and a feeling of not being in control may contribute to as many as a quarter of all new cases of lower back pain in Britain, it is claimed.
The findings are based on a survey of 4,500 adults in south Manchester, which also revealed a link between back pain and depression. Up to one in six people who developed low back pain previously showed signs of depression and psychological distress.
Professor Alan Silman, who led the team at the ARC Epidemiology Unit at Manchester University, said researchers were surprised to find that physical factors like lifting and carrying were not as important in developing back pain as psychological and social factors.
The team urged employers to improve both the environment and human relations in the workplace. Their report says lower back pain affects 40 per cent of adults
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments