The number of young people seeking help for back or neck pain has risen 60 per cent in the past year, driven by sedentary lifestyles and the use of technology.
Nearly half of young people are suffering from neck or back pain because of the ‘sedentery epidemic’ and the rise in laptop technology.
Increasing numbers of under 30s are seeking chiropractic help because they are spending up to 10 hours a day sitting down, often behind screens.
The number of 16 to 24-year-olds who now say they suffer from back and neck pain has risen from 28 per cent to 45 per cent within a year, a 60 per cent rise. Almost one quarter said they suffered on a daily basis.
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, we're vulnerable. Your back is always hard at work - even when you think you're relaxing.
Three out of five (59 per cent) saying they spend most of their working day sitting, people need to become more aware of how to look after themselves properly.
We advise sitting up straight, taking desk breaks every 30 minutes, stretching frequently and staying hydrated.
For people using computers, they should ensure that the top of their screen is in level with their eyebrows and keep the chair tipped slightly forward so that the knees are slightly higher than the hips.
The average person spends around 1.8 hours a day sitting looking at mobile technology, 3.7 hours using a laptop or desktop computer, 1.4 hours gaming and 2.8 hours watching television or films.
All the evidence points towards the fact that inactivity has a negative impact on the health or our joints and muscles, In a recent study, researchers compared the impact of sitting and walking for various amounts of time with standing up at frequent intervals, and saw the biggest impact on bone and joint health in the group who stood up regularly, highlighting the fact that it is regular movement that is the key.
A session at the gym doesn’t make up for a day of sitting down for long periods of time in the office or in the sofa. So it’s really important that people of all ages keep moving, and take breaks when they’re sitting at the computer or bent over their mobile device or laptop