People whose heads lean forward are most likely to suffer back pain, its survey found. Whether you are a 'spoon', 'bridge', 'leaning tower' or 'flat-pack' will determine your risk of having problems later.

 

While previous indicators² have focused on body shapes, with larger-breasted women and 'apple' shapes being seen as a warning sign, this new research shows posture could be key in preventing back pain.

 

A quarter of women suffer pain lasting³ between one and three days starting at the relatively⁴ young age of 34, the survey found.

 

'Leaning towers' - women whose heads lean forward - are most likely to report pain, with almost six in ten with this posture already suffering and three in ten having daily twinges.

 

Being a 'bridge' with an arched⁵ back was the second worse posture, followed by a 'spoon' position with rounded shoulders but a flat back.

 

And a change in posture can be far less demanding than a crash diet or boot camp-style exercise programme.

 

'Flat pack' ladies, who keep their backs flat are the most likely to avoid pain with a fifth reporting they have never suffered back or neck aches in their lives.

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