Sellers are particularly prone to back problems, especially in the low-lying and timber regions; stiff necks, rhomboids (shoulder blades), and saw-toothed wrists are also common complaints. This often has a lot to do with sitting in a car, on a train, or at a desk for long periods of time, as well as working with a laptop and mobile phone all day.

The musculoskeletal system of the body is a complex series of bones, muscles, tissues, and nerves. Not only does it support us and allow for truly remarkable movement, but it also plays a key role in allowing optimal blood flow around the entire body to supply our cells with oxygen, water and nutrients.

Over the years we start to lose our flexibility and core strength, but according to many studies this is not so much due to age but more to modern lifestyles. Back pain now affects around 60% of adults in the UK and 80% in the US. One of the main causes is simply due to poor posture, which constantly puts stress and strain on our muscles and joints (overtraining and/or poor form in the gym can also be a cause). Taking pain relievers can disguise things for a while and a one-off snack, crack and pop session with a chiropractor or osteopath may help initially, but neither method addresses the root cause of the problem. In addition to suffering aches and pains, permanent damage is increasingly likely to occur if the cause is left untreated.

Prevention is much better than cure when it comes to back problems. The first step is to become more aware of your posture, especially when sitting at a desk or in the car, but even when standing up and walking; the second step is to do something about any existing problems. Most modern gyms have personal trainers or specialists who can perform postural assessments, produce a plan that addresses both future correction and prevention. The final step is to build and maintain strong core stabilizer muscles, as well as improve flexibility. Low-impact activities like running, biking, and swimming are good for this purpose. The Body Pump, Circuit, and Core classes are especially good. Classes like Yoga, Pilates, and Body Balance are great for flexibility. By taking care of our core, we not only prevent aches and pains, but also improve blood circulation (and therefore muscle growth), energy and vitality.