3 ways to help your back

1 KEEP MOVING Regular exercise, such as a daily walk, and avoiding of sitting the best throughout ways to the help day, avoid is one back pain – and to help fix a bad back. Resist the temptation to take to your bed – it’s outdated advice if you’ve hurt your back and will only make the pain worse.

2 SIMPLY STRETCH Yoga and Pilates are great for improving flexibility and building your core, says fitness expert Natalie Simmonds (uk.vaha.com). ‘When the muscles around your spine are strong, it’s easier to lift and carry things, one of the most common ways people injure their backs.’

3 SIT SMART When you do sit – don’t slouch! ‘It puts your back under extreme pressure and is a common cause of back pain,’ says physio Neil Velleman. Make sure your lower back is supported, and if you want to get comfy on the couch, lie on it rather than curl your legs beneath you.