The last year has seen neck and back pain rise by almost 10% it has been found in new research released today from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA).
Do you suffer with neck or back pain?
Over four in five people surveyed (86%) are currently experiencing neck or back ache or have suffered in the past, compared to last year's figure of 77%.
The findings also show that of those in pain, almost one in four (24%) suffer on a daily basis, with younger people feeling the strain more and almost half (45%) of 16-24 year olds currently living with neck or back pain, compared to 28% of those questioned last year.
People spend on average almost half of the day - 10 hours - sitting down, and less than 2 hours being active, and so as part of Chiropractic Awareness Week this week, the BCA is warning that Britain's sedentary epidemic is a huge contributor to the rise in problems, as sitting's revealed as one of the top triggers of neck and back pain with 40%.
Tim Hutchful, BCA chiropractor said: "We're seeing a rise in the number of people experiencing back and neck related problems because our modern lifestyle is forcing us to stay seated and I'm concerned that the number of patients under the age of 30 coming through our doors is increasing.
"Many people are completely unaware that staying in the same position can cause unnecessary strain on the back. Whether at your desk, on your tablet or sitting watching TV, it's really important to take regular breaks to relieve the build-up of tension in your lower back. Sitting causes up to twice as much pressure on discs on the spine as standing so, as a nation, we're vulnerable."
59% of us spend most of the working day sitting, and on average we spend:
- 1.8 hours sitting looking at mobile technology
- 3.7 hours sitting looking at laptops or PCs
- 1.4 hours sitting whilst gaming
- 2.8 hours sitting watching TV or movies
Hutchful added: "Your back is always hard at work - even when you think you're relaxing, so ensuring you move and stretch regularly will help to keep your back on track."
The BCA have also released some top tips on just how to combat the strain.
- Sit up straight: Relax when sitting into your seat, making sure you have your bottom against the seat back with your shoulder blades touching the back rest of the chair. For drivers; the back of the seat should be set slightly backwards, so that it feels natural and your elbows should be at a comfortable and relaxed angle for driving.
- Be computer compatible: Make sure the top of the screen is level with the eyebrows and the chair is titled slightly forward, allowing for the knees to be lower than the hips and the feet to be flat on the floor. Using a laptop or tablet away from a desk will encourage poor posture, so limit time spent in this way; where possible keep the screen at eye level - try stacking on a pile of books to get the height you need and use a detachable keyboard and mouse.
- Take regular breaks: Don't sit for more than 20-30 minutes at a time - stand up to stretch, change position and walk around a little. If you struggle to get away then take time to gently massage the back of your head and neck as you relax your stomach region with slow easy breathing. This will help to improve posture and reduce back pain by promoting balance, strength and flexibility in the spine.
- Drink Up! Try drinking water instead of tea or coffee; it will be healthier and keep your body hydrated.
Further information on maintaining a healthy posture and keeping neck and back pain at bay is available through BCA, who have developed a simple three minute exercise programme for all ages called Straighten Up.
The programme's designed to help strengthen the spine, improving posture and helping joints. Those interested can visit www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk and search for Straighten Up UK to watch a video of the recommended exercises.