The number of people suffering with back and neck pain has risen by nearly ten per cent in the last year, new research by the British Chiropractic Association has revealed.
The survey of over 2000 UK adults, carried out earlier this year, found that four in five of those surveyed (86%) are experiencing back or neck ache currently, or have done in the past, compared to 77% of adults last year.
Of those in pain, around one in four (24%) are suffering on a daily basis, the researchers added, with young people in particular feeling the strain. Over one in three (45%) of 16-24 year olds are currently suffering compared to 28% of the same last year.
BCA chiropractor Tim Hutchful 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.”
At Russell Worth, we have long reported on repetitive strain injuries (RSI) of the neck and back and how, with the average modern lifestyle, the problem seems to be getting worse.
Office workers are particularly prone to developing RSI of the back and neck as they spend large parts of the day sitting down, so it is really important that workers take regular breaks to reduce the risks of RSI.
To find out more about RSI, please visit our dedicated website www.repetitive-straininjury.co.uk