Sonia Kumar MP has voiced her drive to raise awareness for back health.

The Dudley MP, with a decade of experience as a physiotherapist, has been keen to dispel myths and educate the public during Back Care Awareness Week, which ran from Monday 7 to Friday, October 11.

Ms Kumar said: "Back pain is something that nearly 50 per cent of us will experience at some point in our lives and it’s one of the leading causes of sickness absence.

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"So it is crucial to understand how to care for our backs and dispel the many misconceptions surrounding back pain. "

She added: "Research from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) highlights that 98 per cent of people with back pain recover relatively quickly, often without any need for medical treatment.

"Regular physical activity can actually prevent back pain from becoming chronic, which is why physiotherapists encourage it as part of everyday life, not just in rehabilitation.

"Most back pain is non-specific and is rarely a sign of something serious."

Ms Kumar urged people with back pain lasting six to eight weeks to see a First Contact Practitioner or GP for further investigation and treatment.

Chronic back pain can also impact mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression.

She said that access to physiotherapy and psychological support is therefore crucial for recovery.

Ms Kumar used Back Care Awareness Week as an opportunity to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, to strengthen their backs.

She recommended resources from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for more information and practical advice on managing back pain.

Ms Kumar said: "Together, let’s raise awareness and take action to protect our back health for the future."

For more advice and information, visit csp.org.uk.