Back pain sufferers feel pressure to ‘grin and bear it’ survey finds 

More than one third of people living with back pain in the UK have endured symptoms for more than a decade, with many feeling pressure from employers to ignore their condition and push through discomfort, according to new survey findings released in February 2026. 

The survey of 100 patients, from online rehabilitation programme Back in Shape, found that 88 per cent have lived with back pain for more than a year, while 37 per cent have experienced symptoms for more than 10 years. Nearly three quarters, 74 per cent, said their condition is often downplayed by family, friends or employers. 

More than two thirds, 69 per cent, reported feeling pressure to “push through” pain even when in significant discomfort. While 57 per cent cited family and friends as sources of that pressure, 44 per cent said it also came from employers – highlighting a clear link to workplace health and wellbeing. 

Michael Fatica, consultant osteopath and co-founder of Back in Shape, said the findings reflect a cultural misunderstanding that can spill into working life. 

“Back pain is still widely seen as something people should be able to ‘get over’, yet for many it is persistent, complex and profoundly disruptive,” he said. “It affects confidence, mental wellbeing, relationships, and a person’s ability to participate in everyday life.” 

The impact on work is significant. Almost two thirds, 63 per cent, said back pain affects their ability to work. In addition, 64 per cent experience disrupted sleep and 76 per cent report a negative impact on their social life. Only 3 per cent said their back pain has no impact on daily living. 

For employers, the findings raise concerns around absence, presenteeism and productivity. Poor sleep and ongoing discomfort can impair concentration, increase fatigue and heighten the risk of further injury at work – particularly in manual roles, but also in desk-based jobs where prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms. 

“Poor sleep and reduced activity create a cycle that makes recovery more difficult and increases the risk of further physical and emotional strain,” Fatica added. 

Despite extensive use of healthcare services, lasting relief appears limited. The survey found that 71 per cent had undergone MRI scans, 52 per cent had X-rays, 87 per cent had tried physiotherapy, 68 per cent had seen a chiropractor and 49 per cent had consulted a specialist. Yet just 9 per cent reported lasting relief from these interventions. 

“Many patients follow all the advice and attend all appointments, yet are left feeling stuck and unsure if their pain will ever improve,” said Fatica. 

He argues that a greater focus on active, resistance-based rehabilitation is needed, both within healthcare pathways and workplace wellbeing strategies. 

According to the survey, only 56 per cent of patients were offered squats as part of their rehabilitation, and just 36 per cent were shown hip-hinge movements. Fatica described this as a missed opportunity to rebuild strength in the muscles that support the spine. 

“Strong back, core and leg muscles stabilise the spine and reduce strain on spinal structures. Weakness leaves the back vulnerable to injury and ongoing pain,” he said. 

The findings also sit against a wider backdrop of low participation in muscle-strengthening activity. Separate research published in PLOS One found that just 7.3 per cent of men and 4.1 per cent of women meet UK muscle and bone-strengthening guidelines of more than two sessions per week targeting major muscle groups. 

For UK employers, this presents both a risk and an opportunity. Musculoskeletal conditions remain one of the leading causes of sickness absence. But they are also an area where prevention, early intervention and supportive workplace cultures can make a measurable difference. 

Fatica believes organisations should move away from any culture that rewards presenteeism or discourages employees from speaking openly about pain. 

“We need to move away from the idea that people should simply ‘push through’ pain. Listening to the body, understanding pain signals, and addressing weaknesses early can profoundly improve long-term outcomes and quality of life,” he said. 

He recommends incorporating simple resistance-based exercises, such as squats and hip-hinge movements, into regular fitness routines to help manage and prevent back pain. However, he stresses that technique and individual suitability are important, particularly for those already in pain. 

For employers, the implications are clear. Creating psychologically safe environments where staff can report musculoskeletal pain without fear of judgement, offering access to evidence-based rehabilitation support, and promoting strength-based physical activity can all form part of a wider workplace health and wellbeing strategy. 

As the survey suggests, back pain is not a short-term inconvenience for many employees. It is a long-term condition that affects sleep, mental wellbeing and performance at work. Addressing it requires more than telling people to “grin and bear it” – it demands cultural change, informed management and a proactive approach to prevention.