Back pain is a consequence of changes in lifestyles, it has been stated.

In an article on the marking of World Health Day yesterday (April 7th) in the city of Nagpur, the Times of India noted that it was one of four diseases related to a change in the way people live, caused by urbanisation and a less active lifestyle.

The others are heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Dr Sanjay Kumar of Lala Lajpat Rai hospital told the paper that low levels of physical activity, lifting heavy weights and poor posture were key causes of chronic back pain.

He added: "It generally affects the area between the lower rib cage and the buttock muscles. Low back pain should be treated as a medical disorder and should not be ignored."

Those with such pain may find using a portable ultrasound device helps ease their discomfort.

Last month, figures from the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance showed that in 2008-09, 10.8 million days of work a year were lost due to musculoskeletal disorders in the UK, many of which will have caused back pain.