Yes, according to analysis by the Labour Force Survey on self-reported work-related ill-health. Based on the annual three year average for the period 2013 to 2016, the total number of musculoskeletal disorders, mainly affecting the back was 221,000 out of a total of 1,268,000 work-related illnesses (17%). The total number of working days lost due to all musculoskeletal disorders in this period was 8.9 million.
The pain and distress for individuals also has a knock-on effect for businesses in terms of compensation payouts.