A study by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) has discovered that more and more teenagers and young adults in the UK are suffering from neck and back pain, and evidence points to the increased use of mobile devices and having a sedentary lifestyle as the leading causes.

The researchers conducted a survey with the goal of identifying the percentage of people under the age of 30 who suffer from neck or back pain and spend long periods of their day sitting.

Of the 2,100 participants asked, almost half of the number, or 45 percent, of 16- to 24-year-olds claimed that they suffer from some form of neck or back pain. This is noticeably higher compared with the 28 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds recorded from the previous year.

The results of the survey, published in the BCA's website, revealed that 86 percent of the total participants across all age groups said that they experience the similar problems, which is an increase from the 77 percent from the year before.

According to the BCA, the increase in back pain cases is likely caused by the excessive amount of time spent being inactive. On average, people spend 10 hours of the day sitting and fewer than two hours for exercise.

Chiropractors also put the blame on too much use of mobile phones and tablet computers, causing people to hunch over for longer periods. One person could spend 3.7 hours a day on his or her computer, 1.8 hours using mobile phones and tablets and 1.4 hours gaming.

"We're seeing a rise in the number of people experiencing back and neck-related problems because our modern lifestyle is forcing us to stay seated and I'm concerned that the number of patients under the age of 30 coming through our doors is increasing," Tim Hutchful, a chiropractor from the BCA, said.

Hutchful's colleague, Rishi Loatey, noted that the issues with neck and back pain also affect children as young as 12 years old.

"The only sort of neck pain we used to see with that age group was people who had been in car accidents," he said. "But now the vast majority of neck pains are people from secondary school upwards."

There are three easy ways to address problems with neck and back pains, according to chiropractors:

1. Make sure to always sit up straight

When you sit, always make sure that your back is straight by placing your rear against the seat back. Your shoulder blades should also touch the back rest of your chair.

If you're driving, set your seat slightly backwards so you can sit more naturally. Your elbows should also stay relaxed and at a comfortable angle.

2. Adjust your computer screen

If you spend long periods using a computer, whether for study or work, make sure that the top of your computer screen is level with your eyebrows. Your chair should be titled a little forward to allow your knees to be lower than your hips. Both of your feet should also be flat on the floor.

Try to lessen the use of laptops or tablet computers away from desks as it promotes bad posture. If it is unavoidable, make sure to keep the screen at eye level.

3. Make sure to take breaks regularly

Try to avoid spending too much time sitting. Whenever you can, take 20-to-30-minute breaks to allow your neck and back to rest. You can also gently massage your neck and back muscles to help yourself relax. Keep yourself hydrated with water as well.

Photo: Garry Knight | Flickr