A nationwide survey by Physiotherapy New Zealand has revealed that slouching and lifting heavy objects are often to blame for back pain.
More than 90% of those surveyed had experienced some type of back pain and they cited heavy lifting (35%) and poor posture (32%) as the top causes or triggers of their pain.
The findings also showed some troubling self-treatment methods, with one in five saying they would use bed rest as a treatment method.
The survey also revealed:
Of those who had experienced back pain: 79% had sleeping problems as a result, 46% had missed out on sports or activities and 37% had taken time off work.
The top three causes or triggers of back pain were: heavy lifting, poor posture and an accident or fall. For those under 30 the top causes changed to: poor posture, lifting heavy objects and sitting for long periods.
62% thought that back pain was due to something being out of place.
Scroll through some tips below for taking care of your back.
