An expert on back pain has noted that different countries have striking levels of variance in the incidence of back pain and has argued this is all to do with posture.

California-based acupuncturist Esther Gokhale noted that in the US, 85 per cent of people will suffer back pain at some point in their lifetime, whereas by contrast the rate in the central African country of Chad the level is only five per cent, UPI.com reports.

She stated that this is because many people around the world still live, work, lie and sit in a way that maintains the right kind of posture.

Ms Gokhale said that stretch sitting and stretch lying are two techniques that can help restore the correct posture.

Those who have back problems as a result of bad posture or any other cause may find ultrasound treatment helps to ease the problem.

Last month, massage therapist Conor Collins wrote in theSpec.com that the problem is not one that people simply have to live with, but can do something about.