Those with back pain may find that swimming is a particularly good way of tackling it, it has been stated.

Writing in the Denver Post, fitness trainer Linda Buch stated that the sport can be highly beneficial activity for those with such problems.

Responding to a comment from a reader that he and his wife found swimming a good way of dealing with back pain, she stated: "Exercising in water takes a lot of stress off the body and stimulates and improves endurance, cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength."

It does this "without all of the pounding associated with running or walking", she added.

However, Ms Buch warned that it is possible to harm a back during a swim, by arching the back too much.

Those using swimming to help their recovery from back pain may find it is useful in conjunction with using a cheap ultrasound machine.

Last month, the Times of India said that back pain was one of the diseases that result from modern, sedentary lifestyles.