One In Three Sedentary Young Adults Suffer From Back Pain

Back Pain Epidemic: Why Young Sedentary Brits Are Feeling The Ache

Young adults are paying the price for spending hours slumped in front of the television, it was suggested, after research found that a third of 16 to 24-year-olds suffer from back pain.

Research company Mintel found that young adults and pensioners are suffering from similar amounts of pain.

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Are sedentary lifestyles to blame for chronic back pain?

The study found that 34% of 16 to 24-year-olds suffer from back ache compared with 38% of over-65s.

Two fifths of Britons across all age groups suffer from back pain, the research found.

Michelle Strutton, from Mintel, said: "The high incidence of back pain in Britain's youngsters is pretty alarming.

"Too much time sitting, weakens muscle tone and this can lead to back pain. Many of Britain's youngsters lead a sedentary lifestyle and lack of sport may well be contributing to back pain as well as poor posture.

"Britain's youth are spending hours at a time slumped in front of TV and computer screens, which is doing nothing to strengthen their backs."

"Back pain is becoming one of society's main issues and accounts for a high proportion of reasons for taking sick leave."

Mintel said the research also identified the nations top five ailments which are colds and flu, headaches, sore throats, coughs and back pain.

The study also found that women are more likely to complain of headaches than men, with 62% of women saying they suffer from headaches compared with 49% of men.

Feeling lazy? Here are 25 easy ways to move more...

25 Ways To Move More
Stand At The Bar(01 of25)
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Rather than nursing a drink sitting down, belly up to the bar, or grab dinner at a high table with bar stools. Leaning against a high stool is a step up from sitting, but can be more comfy than standing all night, Health magazine reported. (credit:Alamy)
Mini Golf(02 of25)
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This old-timey favorite is fun for kids and adults alike, and can burn 100 calories in just 30 minutes. Flickr photo by Machine is Organic (credit:Flickr: Machine is Organic)
Take A Swim(03 of25)
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You don't have to be Michael Phelps to get a water workout. Even some leisurely splashing around can shave off 200 calories, and it's a great way to stay cool in the heat, too!Flickr photo by Joe Shlabotnik (credit:Flickr: Joe Shlabotnik)
Build A Sand Castle(04 of25)
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Instead of just lounging on the sand working on your tan, get up and move around if you're at the beach this weekend. Bonus: Digging in the sand can be a surprisingly good workout for abs and obliques. Flickr photo by Michael Bentley (credit:Flickr: Michael Bentley)
Dance(05 of25)
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Let the music move you when you're out on Saturday night. A little boogying can burn 150 calories in just 30 minutes. (credit:alamy)
Throw A Frisbee(06 of25)
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You're not chained to that park bench! If you're already enjoying the outdoors, why not throw around a Frisbee or a football, pass a volleyball or kick a soccer ball? It doesn't have to be strenuous -- you don't even have to be any good! -- but it will get you up and moving.Flickr photo by Elvert Barnes (credit:Flickr: Elvert Barnes)
Go On An Exercise Date(07 of25)
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If you've got a date night planned this weekend, skip dinner and a movie in favor of something that gets you off your rears. It doesn't have to be a trip to the gym or a jog -- it can be anything active you like doing together.Flickr photo by Tobyotter (credit:Flickr: Tobyotter)
Row A Boat(08 of25)
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Many local parks, rivers and lakes have row boats, canoes or kayaks available for rent. No matter your vessel of choice, it's a fun, seasonal way to burn some serious calories.Flickr photo by Josh Hawley (credit:Flickr: Josh Hawley)
Play Fetch(09 of25)
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During the busy week, you sometimes might just let your pet out in the backyard to dig up his own trouble. This weekend, spend a little extra time moving with him. Play fetch, give him that much-needed belly rub or take him on an extra-long walk.Flickr photo by footloosiety (credit:Flickr: footloosiety)
Catch Up On A Walk(10 of25)
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If you've made plans to meet a friend for coffee, take your catch up session to-go instead and gab on a walk. Even strolling at a snail's pace will burn 85 calories in 30 minutes! (credit:Alamy)
Play Bar Games(11 of25)
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Put down the drink for some foosball or pool if you're at a bar this weekend that offers it. Thirty minutes of pool can shave off 85 calories, not to mention you may save yourself a few if your hands aren't wrapped tightly around that pint glass.Flickr photo by Nicola since 1972 (credit:Flickr: Nicola since 1972)
Take A Hike(12 of25)
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Head for the hills! Depending on where you live, a hike can be a weekend expedition or a quick afternoon adventure. It's a change of scenery and a great way to spend some time outdoors. If you're feeling sporty enough to tackle some hills, you can burn almost 250 calories in just 30 minutes.Flickr photo by mikebaird (credit:Flickr: mikebaird)
Go Cab-Free(13 of25)
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If you typically find yourself hailing a taxi on the weekends, try hoofing it instead. If your destination is too far to make it on foot, try public transportation -- and leave the seat for someone else.Flickr photo by TMAB2003 (credit:Flickr: TMAB2003)
Play Lawn Games(14 of25)
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If you have plans to barbecue this weekend, break out the lawn games to get you out of your seat. Try croquet or badminton, which can burn more than 150 calories in 30 minutes.Flickr photo by Jessa B.C. (credit:Flickr: Jessa B.C.)
Go Window Shopping(15 of25)
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Those people who do their exercise walking around the mall are onto something. Whether or not you plan to buy anything, browsing around your favorite shopping center gets you moving -- especially if you decide to wiggle in and out of a few things in the dressing room.Flickr photo by jimmyharris (credit:Flickr: jimmyharris)
Visit A Museum(16 of25)
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Spend some time strolling through the halls and galleries of your favorite museum. You'll give your brain a workout while you're at it! (credit:Alamy)
Get Takeout Instead Of Delivery(17 of25)
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Pick your favorite nearby joint and walk to pick up your meal. (credit:Alamy)
Wash The Car(18 of25)
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Sure, it might take a little longer than sitting through the drive-thru, but you get the pleasure of working those muscles a little bit. (credit:Alamy)
Cook(19 of25)
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Instead of sitting at a restaurant waiting to be served, why not whip something up at home? You'll be on your feet slicing, chopping, mixing and more, not to mention cleaning up after yourself.Flickr photo by mamaloco (credit:Flickr: mamaloco)
Plant A Garden(20 of25)
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A number of fall veggies are ready for planting now. Spending an hour digging, crouching, weeding and planting in your garden can burn more than 300 calories.Flickr photo by auntjojo (credit:Flickr: auntjojo)
Take A Bike Ride(21 of25)
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You don't have be imitate the Tour de France! Even the most casual rides can burn 200 calories an hour. Don't own a bike? Many cities now have bike share programs that allow you to take a short spin for a small fee, and some parks have bikes available for rent, too.Flickr photo by machernucha (credit:Flickr: machernucha)
Play Laser Tag(22 of25)
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Go old-school, and grab a group of friends to head to the nearest laser tag arena. You'll run, jump, squat, crawl -- all in the name of fun and (healthy) competition.Flickr photo by shawnzrossi (credit:Flickr: shawnzrossi)
Go Rock Climbing(23 of25)
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With the increase in popularity of bouldering, you no longer need a load of gear (and experience!) to reap the fitness benefits of rock climbing. Try it out at a local gym -- you'll burn calories and seriously work those arm muscles.Flickr photo by toolmantim (credit:Flickr: toolmantim)
Go Bowling(24 of25)
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It's not just for dads in bowling shirts! Grab a pair of nerdy-chic shoes and aim straight. You may even wiggle a little arm workout out of it!Flickr photo by junklab (credit:Flickr: junklab)
Start A Wii Fit Competition(25 of25)
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Dreaming of a couch-potato weekend? Turn that screen time into something more productive by challenging a roommate, spouse or kid to a Wii Fit boxing or tennis match.Flickr photo by SashaW (credit:Flickr: SashaW)