Steering wheel movement about an inch backwards and forwards

An inch is not bad. I would not worry about it unless it is giving you a problem when you steer or go around corners.

Is the wheel moving in the same direction as you steer or is it moving toward the dash/seat?
The first is usually wear in the various parts of the steering equipment, repair involves replacing the worn parts once you determine what is actually worn. And as Hmac says 1" isn't a big issue.

If the movement is the other way, it depends on where the motion is. If the wheel pulls straight in/out, the issue is in the retaining ring that is supposed to prevent that motion. It's under the steering wheel and involves disabling the air bags, removing the wheel and repairing the retainer and related parts. If the motion is more like nodding your head, the bushings for the tilt and latch function are worn. Those can take some special tools to remove and replace.

The wheel won't come out and the bushings are different what you have is wear in the joint of the tilt part of column. If it'gets further then it can be replaced. Sometimes they come loose as well