‘Good’ posture doesn’t prevent back pain, and ‘bad’ posture doesn’t cause it

“Perceptions of ‘good’ posture originate from a combination of social desirability and unfounded presumptions” Photograph: Graham Turner/The Guardian

Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Most people experience an episode of back pain in their lifetime. It often emerges during adolescence and becomes more common in adults.

For the 25% of people who develop back pain, it can become persistent, disabling and distressing. It can affect a person’s ability to participate in activities of daily living, physical activity and work. Activities such as sitting, standing, bending and lifting frequently aggravate back pain.