Yes. Labour Force Surveys estimate around a quarter of a million work-related back problems in the UK, with each sufferer taking an average of 16 days off per year. This adds up to an estimated total of 4.1 million working days lost in 2007/2008.
The pain and distress for individuals also has a knock-on effect for businesses in compensation payouts.
24 Feb 2012: When do you start getting paid?
The Interns: Getting treated like a dogsbody?