9 Ways To Beat Back Pain

It affects four in five of us at some point in our lives so, if back pain is blighting your life, follow our tips to gain relief

1 KICK THE HABIT

‘Studies have linked smoking with lower-back pain, so I advise quitting,’ says Stephen Wanless, Associate Professor at Birmingham City University. ‘Smoking can affect the circulatory system, which delivers nutrients and hydration to the spinal discs, so it can affect the health of the back.’

2 ASSUME THE ‘BBC’ POSITION

Two out of five people believe sitting too long at a desk is the primary trigger for back-pain troubles, says a Deep Heat survey. Sit ‘BBC’ style, with Bottom to Back of Chair. ‘Sit up straight with bottom against seat back and shoulder blades touching back rest,’ says Rishi Loatey of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA). ‘Tilt chair forward, so knees are lower than hips and feet are flat on the floor.’

3 DRINK MORE WATER