Three in four of us have a bad back

About 82 percent of people now spend up to six hours a day in front of a computer screen.

About 82 percent of people now spend up to six hours a day in front of a computer screen.

Published Oct 7, 2014

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London - Being hunched over a computer screen for hours at a time means three-quarters of us now suffer from back pain, say experts.

Rather than wrenching the back with strenuous exercise or hard lifting, sedentary lifestyles are the main cause of problems.

Lounging in front of a TV or spending too long in bed are also major causes of back complaints, according to the British Chiropractic Association.

About 82 percent of people now spend up to six hours a day in front of a computer screen, the association found in a survey of 2 000 people. And 49 percent of those questioned admitted they spent between two and six hours a day watching television.

About 77 percent of those surveyed said they are currently experiencing back or neck pain or have done in the past. And 24 percent said they suffer on a daily basis.

Experts are urging people to limit the time spent hunched over a smartphone, tablet or laptop to help improve posture and relieve strain.

Chiropractor Rishi Loatey said: “As a nation we’re becoming increasingly sedentary and struggle to switch off – whether it’s sitting at a desk or lounging on the sofa, hunching over a mobile device or lying in bed for too long, the effects of modern lifestyles are taking their toll.

“Understanding how to sit properly and keeping active will help improve posture and reduce back pain.” - Daily Mail

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