In observance of Back Health Day on March 15, 2026, we would like to draw attention to an issue that affects many people in their daily lives yet is often underestimated: the health of our backs. Especially in a work environment increasingly characterized by prolonged sitting and little physical activity, back health is becoming more and more important, both for individuals and for companies.
Back pain is one of the most common health complaints in Germany, yet it is often underestimated in everyday life.
About one-third of adults in Germany suffer from back pain. If the symptoms persist for more than three months, they are considered chronic. At the same time, back pain is one of the most common causes of work disability.
What is truly surprising, however, is not how widespread this is, but the gap between knowledge and action:
More than 95% of people know that exercise can prevent or alleviate back pain. Yet this knowledge is often not put into practice in everyday life. The reason is usually not a lack of motivation, but a lack of routine.
Even small habits or routines can have a significant positive impact on health.
A healthy back starts with simple, regular habits:
short breaks for movement during the workday
an ergonomically designed workspace
conscious sitting and posture
targeted strengthening of the core muscles
Just a few minutes of movement per hour can make a noticeable difference.
A simple tip for your daily work routine:
Set a reminder (such as a timer) with the following prompt:
“Get up once an hour, stretch, and take a few steps.”
This brief break takes hardly any time, but it’s effective in counteracting prolonged sitting and relieves pressure on the spine.
Back health is also considered a key to success for companies:
Employee back health is not just an individual issue. For companies, it represents an important and often underestimated lever for the performance, well-being, and health of the entire workforce. Targeted measures in workplace health management can help prevent discomfort and strengthen long-term work capacity.