Under-35s represent growing market for massage

Almost a third of young people now suffer from chronic back pain as a result of increasingly sedentary lifestyles.

According to new consumer research, conducted on behalf of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) 65% of 16 to 34-year-olds have experienced neck or back pain and almost a third (28%) have lived with the pain for up to a month at a time.

These new stats suggest under-35s will be a growing client market for massage and other salon and spa services that can offer pain relief or aid posture.

The BCA warned that young people are suffering from back and neck pain as a result of leading sedentary lifestyles.

Two fifths of sufferers said the majority of their time at work was spent “mainly sitting” and a third (32%) admitted that their back pain could be triggered by sitting still for long periods of time.

Some 68% said back or neck pain had prevented them from exercising and sleeping, and 22% had been unable to socialise with friends and family as a result of their pain.

BCA chiropractor Tim Hutchful said: “It’s really important that young people understand the importance of keeping active and seeking help from an expert if they are in pain.”