Back pain is estimated to affect eight out of ten people in the UK at some point in their lives and the NHS spends millions of pounds a year to treat it, writes Rebecca Cain.

It also strikes at any age and in various ways - some people have lower back pain while others get a pain in the neck and shoulders.

It is often a result of sitting at a desk for too long each day.

Michael Gould has been treating people with back pain since 1993 and owns the Amersham Chiropractic Clinic in Woodside Road, Amersham.

Here is some advice from Michael to those who want to improve their desk posture:

1. Use a chair with arms so that they are supported whenever possible.

2. Keep you chair close to your desk.

3. Use a gel wrist-rest/support when typing or using the mouse.

4. Do not work with a laptop on your lap, rather put it onto a desk or table.

5. Adjust the height of your chair so that you arms are angled slightly down when over the keyboard.

And here are five tips for preventing back pain:

1. When moving an object, it is always better to push rather than pull.

2. Always keep objects you are lifting as close to your body as possible.

3. Avoid sleeping on your front.

4. When lifting, always bend from the knees rather than the waist.

5. When working at ground level, gardening or DIY for example, go down onto one knee rather than two.

See www.amershamchiropractic.co.uk