Research shows that sedentary lives, where we hold our bodies in sustained positions for extended periods e.g. sitting at an office desk or watching TV on the sofa are the main contributors to back pain.

 

These symptoms are very rare but you should contact a doctor if you experience any of them:

• Severe head, neck or arm pain that is constant or disturbs sleep.

• Weakness and loss of feeling in the arms or legs.

• A history of inflammatory arthritis, immuno-suppression, cancer, TB, drug abuse, AIDS or other infection.

• If you feel unwell, have a fever or have unexplained weight loss.

• A history of violent trauma (e.g. a road traffic accident or a fall from a height) or a history of neck surgery.