Back pain is very common in the UK, especially amongst people aged between 35 and 55. Back pain is usually a mild condition, but left untreated it can develop into a more serious back condition. Back pain is the most common cause of taking time off work.
Lower back pain is much more common than pain in the upper back; it is estimated that 7 in 10 people are affected by lower back pain at some point in their lives. The lower back is under constant stress as it supports the weight of the upper body, in addition to other objects you may be carrying and is heavily involved in twisting and bending movements. The lower back is also known as the lumbar region; it is made up of 5 lumbar vertebrae called the L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 vertebrae.