Research from AXA Health insurance has revealed that over one in four UK adults spend five or more hours sitting at a desk each day - a daily habit that could lead to increased joint stiffness, muscle degeneration, back pain, and reduced mobility.
To understand the impact of prolonged sedentary behaviour, AXA Health surveyed 2,000 UK adults about their lifestyle habits. The findings show that 89% of UK adults do not use a supportive office chair while working.
Reflecting growing concern around the health impact of sitting down for prolonged periods, monthly Google searches for ‘lower back pain’ have topped 3.2 million*, suggesting more Brits are experiencing issues with their musculoskeletal health.
TikTok’s viral ‘office chair butt’ trend shines light on growing health issue
A viral TikTok video, with over 2.3 million views (and counting), shows an office worker learning about the office chair butt. Captioning the video, “I fear I’m already getting it🥲 catch me doing 20 squats every hour on the hour”, users flooded the comments sharing their own experience with ‘office chair butt’. With one user sharing that the office chair butt is “real…and can mess up your posture so bad”, and another sharing that the trend has led to a “New fear unlocked 😳*.”
With online interest in ‘office chair butt’ surging by 650% in the past year alone*, Bethany Tomlinson, Musculoskeletal Clinical Service Manager at AXA Health and a physiotherapist of 25+ years, explains the truth behind sitting for prolonged periods.
Bethany Tomlinson comments, “Sitting for prolonged periods can lead to gluteal amnesia, informally known as office butt or dead butt syndrome, where muscles essentially switch off due to inactivity.”
“A lack of movement means lower production of synovial fluid, which is crucial for supporting joint health. When the glutes aren’t activated regularly, the surrounding joints, including the hips, knees, and lower back, can end up compensating, often resulting in joint pain and stiffness in these areas”.
Data reveals over seven in ten office workers DON’T use a supportive chair
Despite nearly a quarter of UK adults spending more than five hours a day at a desk, many are neglecting their joint health. A staggering 89% don’t use a supportive office chair, whilst 81% fail to stretch regularly, and 74% admit they don’t exercise often (three or more days a week).
Office workers fare even worse, with over a third (35%) spending seven or more hours at their desks a day. Yet, 72% lack a supportive chair, and just three in 10 say they exercise regularly.
Physiotherapist shares FOUR effective ways to counteract office butt
To support those regularly sitting down for prolonged periods, Bethany Tomlinson shares expert tips for helping to avoid long-term impacts on your joints and musculoskeletal health.
- Move at least once every hour
“Trends like ‘squat breaks’ on TikTok highlight an important point - that regular movement matters. Taking just 1-2 minutes every hour to stand up, stretch, or activate key muscle groups can help restore blood flow and stimulate synovial fluid production in the joints.”
“Going for a walk before your working day, on your lunch break or after work, where possible, or utilising a standing desk are great ways to reduce sitting time. If you travel to work, try getting off one stop earlier or parking further away to add more walking and stimulate joint circulation before sitting down”. - Make changes to your chair
“A lumbar cushion supports the natural curve of the back and promotes good posture. It often comes with a strap to attach to the back portion of your office chair. A seat pad is also a great option and is suited for those looking for additional support for the bottom of their back, as it reduces pressure on the coccyx and sciatic nerve and encourages hip alignment to support the spine.”
“An ergonomic chair will often have adjustable features, such as the degree to which it is upright. These chairs are specifically designed to support the back during long periods of sitting and allow you to sit at a 90° hip-knee-ankle angle, reducing stiffness over time”. - Adjust your screen level
“It's important to ensure your computer or laptop screen is positioned at eye level. If it's too low or too high, your neck will be angled for extended periods, which can lead to stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and even long-term joint issues.”
“To avoid this, align your screen so that when you're looking straight ahead, your eyes are directly in line with the top of the screen. This encourages a natural 90º posture, helping to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders. This should also apply for standing desks”. - Incorporate strength and mobility
“In your weekly exercise routine, incorporate strength training exercises to build resilience in your glutes, hips and core. This will help to counteract the effects of sitting, as simple exercises including squats, lunges, glute bridges and clamshells will restore balance and strengthen muscles.”
“It’s also important to do mobility-focused movement to loosen joints, including neck and hip circles, and shoulder and ankle rolls, which you can even do sitting at your desk”.
Qualified physiotherapist, Bethany Tomlinson, concludes: “We’re seeing more people report discomfort caused by long hours at their desks, often made worse by inadequate seating or workspace setups.”
“Making small changes, like investing in the appropriate chair support or making sure to stand up more regularly, can make a big difference to overall joint health and productivity.”
“You should consult your company's occupational health team for advice and any further information you require. If you feel like you are experiencing severe joint pain, it’s important that you contact your GP to discuss your symptoms”.
Methodology
AXA Health surveyed 2,000 nationally representative UK individuals aged 18+ in April 2025. Survey questions included whether respondents were experiencing joint pain, suffering from any pain-inducing conditions, as well as patterns in how and when individuals seek medical support. Respondents were also asked about their daily routines, such as desk work and lifestyle choices like exercise frequency. These insights were used to build an understanding of the lifestyle factors potentially influencing joint pain and joint health-related issues.
Sources
*GLIMPSE Google Trends Search Data - correct as of 26/05/2026
*Keywordtool.io Google Search Data - correct as of 26/05/2026
