Doctor explains: Why back pain, joint stiffness are rising among young professionals

Back pain and joint stiffness are no longer confined to older age groups, with doctors warning of a sharp rise in musculoskeletal issues among young professionals driven by sedentary lifestyles, long working hours and poor fitness habits.

Health experts say prolonged sitting, irregular routines and lack of physical activity are placing continuous strain on the spine and joints, leading to early onset discomfort that can worsen into chronic conditions if ignored.

Urban lifestyles are further compounding the problem, with rising obesity, vitamin deficiencies and sudden bursts of high-intensity workouts without proper guidance increasing the risk of injuries. Studies have also linked prolonged desk work and screen time to poor posture and spinal stress, making musculoskeletal disorders one of the fastest-growing health concerns among working populations.

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Firstpost talked to Dr Atul Mishra, Chairman- Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Fortis Hospital (Noida) to understand why young adults are increasingly facing bone and joint issues, the role of lifestyle factors and the early warning signs that should not be ignored.

Dr Mishra:  Because the lifestyle is unhealthy, with abnormal working hours and abnormal weight gain, there is continuous stress on the lower back and on the knee joints, which gradually leads to joint pain and stiffness. Most patients spend a significant amount of time working, whether from home or in office settings, continuously using laptops and workstations. This prolonged sitting leads to stiffness in the neck and particularly in the back and shoulders. Over time, this constant strain on the lower back contributes to persistent discomfort and increasing stiffness.

Why are joint pain and stiffness increasing among younger people?

Dr Mishra: The primary reason is a sedentary lifestyle with no physical activity and a limited amount of exercise. Patients commonly present with these symptoms because they spend most of their time sitting and working continuously. This lack of movement leads to stiffness in the neck, back and shoulders. As individuals begin to realize that they have gained weight, there is also an increasing incidence of joint stiffness across the body, indicating that the body is under stress due to inactivity and weight gain.

How do high-intensity workouts and improper gym techniques lead to injuries in young people?

Dr Mishra:  When individuals realize that they have gained weight or that something is wrong with their body, they often suddenly start gyming. Due to lack of patience, these workouts are unsupervised and aggressive in nature. Such binge gym workouts lead to injuries, particularly in the back and shoulders. Without proper supervision and gradual progression, the strain on the body increases, resulting in muscle and joint injuries.

Is obesity causing earlier joint damage and increasing risks to the knees and spine?

Dr Mishra:  Obesity has a direct correlation with knee and lower back problems. When standing, the weight transmitted through the knee joint is about three to four times the body weight, and this can increase up to as much as ten times during activities such as running, walking and sports. With higher body weight, there is greater ground reaction force and increased load concentration in the knee joint, which leads to wear and tear of cartilage and meniscal tissues. This results in early onset osteoarthritis along with pain and stiffness. Similarly, in the spine, the increased force is transmitted through the axial skeleton and is concentrated in the lower back, particularly at the junction of the hip and spine. This leads to stiffness in the small joints of the spine and degenerative disc disease, which can further result in sciatica, where pain radiates down the legs.

Why is muscle loss and reduced strength becoming more common today?

Dr Mishra: This is becoming more common because of a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity and limited exercise. When the body is not regularly active, muscle strength reduces over time, which contributes to overall weakness and reduced support to joints and the spine.

How serious is vitamin D deficiency for bone health in urban populations today?

Dr Mishra:  Vitamin D deficiency is a concern due to lifestyle patterns where individuals have limited exposure and reduced activity. It impacts bone strength and contributes to overall weakness, which can affect the musculoskeletal system.

Are women at higher risk of bone and joint issues after 30 due to hormonal changes and how does it affect long-term bone health?

Dr Mishra: Particularly in female patients with obesity, there is a higher tendency to develop joint-related issues. When combined with lifestyle factors and physical inactivity, this increases the risk of joint injuries and long term stiffness, especially when activities are performed without supervision.

What early warning signs of bone and joint issues should not be ignored, and when should one seek medical attention?

Dr Mishra: Early signs include joint pain, stiffness and discomfort in the neck, back and shoulders, especially in individuals with prolonged sitting habits and reduced physical activity. When these symptoms persist, increase over time or begin to affect daily activities, it becomes important to seek medical attention to prevent further progression.