Teachers are at particular risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as neck, back and shoulder pains, new research has revealed. A report from the British Osteopathic Association found that there was a high prevalence of teachers reporting problems such as a pain in the back, neck and upper limbs and believes this is due to the stressful working conditions, large class sizes and lack of resources faced by teachers.

"Psychosocial factors have also been positively associated with MSD among school teachers, and the current review suggest that psychosocial factors such as high workload / demands, high perceived stress level, low social support, low job control, low job satisfaction and monotonous work are most likely associated with MSD among school teachers," the report reads.

The research revealed that nursery school teachers are more likely to suffer from lower back pain due to the time spent on tasks which involve sustained periods of kneeling, stooping, squatting or bending. School teachers spend a significant amount of time in a 'head down' posture such as reading, marking assignments on writing on a whiteboard, so are most likely to suffer from a wider variety of problems including pain in the back, neck and upper limbs.

According to the latest figures from the Labour Force Survey 2010-2011, musculoskeletal disorders were responsible for 15 sick days per case.

"Physical stress imposed on the body by protracted periods of poor posture, sitting on chairs designed for children not adults etc will produce muscle and joint imbalances, strains and soft tissue stresses which become habitual leading to more chronic recurring pains and episodes of pain," says Osteopath Kelston Chorley, Head of Professional Development at the British Osteopathic Association. "It is the chronic build up of strain and habitual bad posture that leads to many of the problems that osteopaths frequently see related to the teaching profession - particularly towards end of term. Osteopathy as recommended by NICE guidance for low back pain can have a very beneficial outcome both in the acute period of pain but more importantly, reducing the chronic episode from turning into a chronic condition".

Earlier this year, 96 per cent of teachers who responded to a Teacher Support Network e-newsletter survey said their health and wellbeing had been affected by their workload.

"I have chronic neck pain which is mostly ignored or laughed at at work. I have to beg people to help me do things, which is humiliating at the very least," explained one respondent at the time. "I have constant exhaustion, forgetfulness, sore throats, aching body every day," added another.

Are you struggling with back, neck or shoulder pains at school? How does it impact upon your life? Do you have any advice for other teachers? We arealways looking for teachers to share their experiences with us and the media. You can be as anonymous as you like, click here to find out more.

Here are some helpful tips for teachers from the British Osteopathic Association: