New research finds increasing numbers of young North Easterners
suffering from back and neck pain
New research released to mark Chiropractic Awareness Week (9 – 15 April), has found that two fifths (41%) of people in the North East of England are currently experiencing back or neck pain.
Notably, incidences of neck and back pain among younger people are on the rise, with almost a third (30%) of people in the North East of England experiencing back or neck pain by age 20, a 6% increase on 2017.
The research, which was carried out by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), found that for sufferers in the North East of England, the top triggers for this pain were;
- Lifting or carrying heavy objects (54%)
- Sitting for long periods of time (53%)
- Sleeping / mattress /pillow (40%)
Inspired Chiropractic top tips to help local residents to prevent and manage neck and back pain are:
- Take a break: When sitting for long periods of time, ensure you stand up and move around every 30 minutes. When at work, also make sure your desk is set up to support a comfortable position. This is different for everyone so if you don’t feel comfortable in your current set up, try altering the height of your chair or screen.
- Keep on moving: Physical activity can be beneficial for managing back pain, however it’s important that if this is of a moderate to high intensity that you warm up and down properly to get your body ready to move! If a previous injury is causing you pain, adapt your exercise or seek some advice. Activities such as swimming, walking or yoga can be less demanding on your body while keeping you mobile!
Other things which you can bear in mind are:
- Lifting and carrying: Remember to bend from the knees, not the waist when lifting heavy items. Face in the direction of movement, and take your time. Hold the object as close to your body as possible, and where you can avoid carrying objects which are too heavy to manage alone, ask for help or use the necessary equipment.
- Sleep comfortably: The Sleep Council recommends buying a new mattress at least every 7 years. Mattresses lose their support over time, so if you can feel the springs through your mattress, or the mattress is no longer level, your mattress is no longer providing the support you need. Everyone has different support requirements, so when purchasing your mattress ensure it is supportive for you. If you share a bed and require different mattress types, consider two single mattresses which are designed to be joined together, to ensure you both get the support you need.
- Straighten Up!: The BCA has created a programme of 3-minute exercises, Straighten Up UK, which can be slotted in to your daily schedule to help prevent back pain by promoting movement, balance, strength and flexibility in the spine
The British Chiropractic Association recommends that, if you are experiencing pain for more than a few days you should seek professional help, for example from a chiropractor, who can assess you and help you to get moving again without pain.
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