A new survey has highlighted the extent to which British people fail to exercise their backs when using computers.
Researchers found that 72 per cent of people use computers on a daily basis and over a third of these fail to stretch their legs or look away from the screen for at least two hours at a time.
Media doctor Dr Rosemary Leonard commented: 'The need for speed in life has made people rely more and more on modern-day gadgets.
'However, we have to weigh up the effect these devices are having on our health.'
The majority of respondents to the Nurofen survey admitted that computer use has a negative impact on their wellbeing.
Fifty-four per cent said that continuous computer use made them feel uncomfortable; one in five complained of blurry vision; and 38 per cent revealed that they get splitting headaches as a result of sitting in front of their computer screens for too long.
Dr Leonard noted that headaches, stress and other aches and pains are 'common' among computer users.
She advised: 'We should really be making sure we are using them correctly and thinking of the long-term implications before spending hours with the latest gizmo.'
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) unveiled new guidelines on the treatment of low back pain this week, including a recommendation to offer complementary therapies such as acupuncture.