Back Care Advice
Back Care Facts and Figures.
back to index »Back pain is common and usually not linked with any serious diseases or problems.
80% of the population will experience back pain at some time in their life.
Back Pain is very common, according to a survey published in 2000 almost half the adult population of the UK (49%) report low back pain lasting for at least 24 hours at sometime in the year.
It is estimated that four out of five adults will experience back pain at some stage in their life.
Resting for a day or two will not reduce the time of inacpacity, and may infact delay the onset of relief and restoration of movement.
Back pain is just as common in adolescants as in adults.
It is often difficult to identify a single reason for back pain, in about 85% of sufferers no clear reason can be identified.
The NHS spends more than £1 billion per year on back pain related costs
In 2003 - 2004 nearly 5 million working days were lost as a result of back pain.
Back pain is the nations leading cause of disabiliy, with 1.1 million people disabled by it.
On average, each person with back pain related conditions takes 13 days off work.
A recent study found that people driving over 25,000 miles a year averaged just over 22 days off work with a bad back, compared with just over 3 days for low milage drivers.
Top Tips on Posture
A good posture can greatly improve and prevent back problems. Follow these simple rules.
How To Stand:
Don't round your back - imagine you are being lifted by a string fixed to the top of your head.
Avoid hunching your shoulders and tensing your neck when stressed.
Wear comfortable, low heeled shoes - high heels put more pressure on the back.
How To Sit:
Use an upright chair that supports your lower back.
Support the small of your back with a small cushion.
Stand up and stretch every 20 to 30 minutes.
How To Lift:
Always look for alternatives to lifting - can you push or pull?
Lift only what you can handle and get help if you need it.
Bend your knees and keep your back straight and your feet apert when lifting.
Bend your knees and not your back when putting a load down.
