'BACK PAIN RIFE AMONG THE LAPTOP GENERATION'

This week in the Daily Telegraph I read that nearly half of all young people are suffering with neck or back pain because of a 'sedentary epidemic' sweeping Britain, alongside the rise in laptop technology.

The British Chiropractic Association said that increasing numbers of under-30s were seeking medical help because they were spending up to 10 hours a day sitting down, often at screens.

Although I can't say that this is my experience in clinic, most of the patients I see in this age bracket come with sports injuries, however there is no doubt that a very large number of people who do have neck and back pain do spend huge amounts of time sitting at work and home, using computers often laptops.

My advise is without doubt to ensure that wherever possible and certainly if you're working on a laptop for more than a few minutes, it's worth: finding a table/desk that's at the correct height; a chair that offers good back and leg support; ideally use a desk top screen and keyboard and a docking station; however if that's not possible ensure the laptop is at a height where you're not looking down at it, the top of the screen level with your eyes is the ideal; and then use a separate mouse and keyboard.  Spending hours working on a laptop or tablet on your lap, lying on a bed or slumping in a chair that's not offering enough support such as a sofa, all take their toll on our muscles which can then lead to joint and nerve problems.  Other consideration are to ensure regular breaks are taken to prevent fatigue and if and why not think about standing up whilst you're working.  According to  'Get Britain Standing' British people sit for an average of 8.9 hours a day.  Why not take a look at their website for more information on the benefits to standing over sitting.

For more information on anything about including sourcing equipment, how to sit and stand well and how physio can help if you do suffer with aches and pain, call us on 07984203698