The sedentary lifestyle of Britons is contributing to a rise in the number of young people experiencing back and neck pain, experts have said.

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) warned that those under 30 are increasingly seeking help for back pain, which it associates with the large amounts of time spent sitting down.

Its survey found that nearly half (45per cent) of 16 to 24-year-olds said they are currently living with neck or back pain, compared to 28per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds last year.

Across all age groups, 86per cent of the 2,000 people questioned said it was a problem, compared to 77per cent the year before.

Almost one in four (24per cent) said they suffer on a daily basis.

The BCA said that with three out of five (59per cent) saying they spend most of their working day sitting, people need to become more aware of how to look after themselves properly.

Sitting up straight, taking desk breaks every 30 minutes and staying hydrated are some of the ways to protect the back and neck - along with making sure the top of the computer screen is level with the eyebrows and the chair slightly tilted forward so the knees are slightly lower than the hips.

BCA chiropractor Tim Hutchful said: "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, as a nation, we're vulnerable.

"Your back is always hard at work - even when you think you're relaxing. So ensuring you move and stretch regularly will help to keep your back on track."

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