Dorset is experiencing a back pain epidemic, new figures show.

New figures released by the British Chiropractic Association revealed that almost half (47 per cent) of people in the county and across the south West were currently experiencing back or neck pain, an increase of 15 per cent last year.

The statistics, released in partnership with Chiropractic Awareness Week which runs between April 9 and 15, also found that most people living in the county suffered most with pain after lifting heavy objects.

As well as this, 52 per cent complained that sitting for long periods of time triggered off back and neck pain while 35 per cent reckoned their own poor posture didn’t help.

However, more concerning statistics revealed the incidences of back and neck pain among younger people, showing that 23 per cent experienced some form of discomfort as a result of back pain by age 20.

Catherine Quinn, British Chiropractic Association President, said: “With the global burden of low back pain forecast to increase in coming decades, ensuring that there are options available to patients who are experiencing this is paramount.

“Chiropractors provide the safe and effective hands-on care which has been suggested within the first steps for the treatment of low back pain.

“This involves a package of care including education and advice to stay active, such as spinal manipulation, massage and exercise therapy. Chiropractors are well positioned to provide this care.”

The British Chiropractic Association has given Dorset Echo readers four top tips to help those of you experiencing low back pain:

  • Take a break: When sitting for long periods of time, ensure you stand up and move around every 30 minutes.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Sleep comfortably: The Sleep Council recommends buying a new mattress at least every seven 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.