NHS data has revealed that waiting lists for musculoskeletal (MSK) issues in England have reached an all-time high, with more than 400,000 people currently awaiting community services for conditions such as back and neck pain.
Recent figures show the total stands at around 400,506. This marks the first time the number has exceeded 400,000 and represents a 17% year on year increase.
Experts say the surge reflects the growing physical strain on Britain’s desk based workforce, where long hours of sitting and poorly configured workspaces are contributing to rising levels of discomfort and injury.
Matt Ousby, Innovation Director at ergonomic office furniture brand Slouch, has worked with Pilates expert Kerrie-Anne Bradley, founder of the Move At Your Desk Method™, to highlight the physical impact of desk work and share strategies to prevent long term problems.
Lack of movement behind much workplace strain
Bradley says many problems arise not from sitting itself but from staying in one position for too long. “In most desk based environments, damage isn’t necessarily done from sitting but from a lack of movement itself. People carry tension in the shoulders, hips and jaw and many are not even aware of it.
“Most people sit in one very small spinal shape for hours but the spine thrives on movement variability. After hours in one position, the body does not need a punishing workout. It needs different shapes, ranges, and directions. Small, intelligent movements give the nervous system more options and help release tension.
“Consistency with this is key. Movements repeated throughout the day are far more effective than a single long session once a week. Regular practice allows the body to respond and adapt, building resilience and flexibility over time.”
The importance of correct desk setup
Ousby says workstation design also plays a significant role in physical health and productivity. “We spend so long working at office furniture that doesn’t always fit our bodies so well. This poor work setup can have significant long term impacts on both our physical health and productivity levels.”
He says desk workers should pay close attention to how their workstation is configured. “Improper chair height, inco rrect monitor placement, lack of lumbar support and poor lighting can all impact our physical health when we’re sitting at a desk for long periods of time.
“To avoid this, always look for an office chair that you’re able to adjust to make sure it fits your body comfortably. You should be able to tailor the height, seat depth, backrest angle and arm positioning.”
Ousby also recommends maintaining proper sitting alignment. “Make sure you’re sitting in alignment, placing both feet firmly on the ground, with your weight spread evenly across your legs and a neutral spine. Avoid sitting cross legged or leaning on one leg as this puts pressure on your hips and lower back.
“Your arms should be able to rest at 90 degrees and your shoulders should be fully relaxed, with your head sitting exactly over your shoulders.
“Make sure the top of your computer screen is in line with your eyeline to avoid eye strain and slouching here too. If this isn’t normally where your screens sit, consider investing in a monitor stand to help get the right screen positioning.”
3 exercises to relieve desk tension
Bradley recommends three simple seated movements that can be performed during the workday to help relieve tension in the back, neck and shoulders.
Spinal rotation
Place your feet flat on the floor and sit up on your sit bones. Lengthen your spine towards the ceiling and place your hands on your knees. Slide your arm up your leg and rotate to that side, looking over your shoulder and stretching your arm behind you. Stretch your palm up and lift the arm to the ceiling before bringing it back to the leg for a full rotation.
Seated cartwheel side bend
Sit with your legs slightly apart and begin with your heels lifted. Ground evenly through your sit bones and take a large side bend up and over, creating length through the body. Cartwheel your arms to move up and over to the other side to stretch the back.
Sit to stand squat
“This one is great for longevity, cognitive function, ankle, knee and hip joints and strengthening your legs and pelvic floor.
Find the sit bones and hinge forward. Dig down through your heels and hover your bottom off your chair and stand up before digging down your heels and coming back to a hover above your chair.”
Preventing future strain
Health specialists say building regular movement and better workstation habits into the workday can help desk workers reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal issues.