According to a survey carried out by the British Chiropractic Association this year, 45 percent of 16 to 24-year-olds report suffering from back and neck pain, up from 28 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds last year.
"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," chiropractor Tim Hutchful of the BCA commented on the results. "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."
The findings come after a report the BCA released in December, which highlighted the increasing use of such devices in bed as a cause of problematic posture. "When people use laptops or mobile phones in bed, they tend to forget their posture, hunch over the screen and leave their spine unsupported, which can damage posture and cause back or neck pain," explained Hutchful.
According to the findings, around half of those surveyed use mobile phones, laptops or tablets in bed, while almost three in five watch television. The BCA advises that when using such devices, they should be held at eye level, since looking down at screens puts pressure on the neck and back.
