90% of us will suffer with back problems!

60% will be sub-acute or chronic and at least half of these cases will be caused by poor posture. The effects of these alarming statistics are far-reaching as the following facts show:

• 11 million working days are lost each year.
• Bad backs are the main reason for time off work.
• Last year 200,000 women took time off work to recover from a back problem.


• The cost to British industry is around a staggering £5 billion a year.


• The cost to the NHS is estimated to be £480 million.

So what are the main causes of back problems, apart from abnormalities in the spine (eg, a scoliosis), a trauma (eg, car accident) or the natural ageing process (degeneration of discs, osteoporosis, arthritis)?

Without getting too clinical and scientific, the following are 5 reasons for spinal complications:-

(1)  Poor posture: The spine needs to be in a good neutral position so as not to create imbalances.

(2)  Carrying too much body weight: Imagine the strain on your back, having to carry you around and if you are overweight, you are probably unfit, which brings us to our next point;

(3)  Poor health and fitness levels: There is no direct blood supply to the discs and they depend on movement to push oxygen and nutrients to them. Smoking will restrict the oxygen supply. A poor diet will restrict the nutrition available. Short/weak muscles, lack of flexibility and immobile joints (spine especially) will have a direct effect on the spine.

(4)  Being in one position too long can cause problems: Sitting (consider your driving position as well), standing (body on one leg, core muscles relaxed) and bending incorrectly will all take their toll. Check your mattress too.

(5)  There seems to a link between depression and chronic back pain.

It is now widely acknowledged that pilates and yoga can help prevent back problems and aid recovery. Doctors and therapists are recommending pilates in particular to their patients for these reasons.