There is nothing more painful than a bad back.

A relatively mild ache can be debilitating, while severe cases can lead to people being off work for weeks.

Back pain is very common and most people will get it at some time. But with the right approach, back pain can be avoided.

Experts now recognise it's the increasingly sedentary lives which people lead that contribute to the back-pain epidemic sweeping the Western world.

An office worker can spend up to 40 hours a week in a static position working at a computer.

Travelling to and from work may involve long journeys either sitting (or more likely standing) on a train or bus.

At home, it is far easier to spend the evening sprawled on the sofa than it is to exercise.

To keep your back healthy, it is important to keep it moving and to support it properly when you are not.

BackCare, the charity for healthier backs, educates people in how to prevent back pain and supports those living with it through its publications and telephone help-line. Plus it pays for research and aims to raise the profile of issues surrounding back pain.

One of its campaigns is to encourage active recovery.

BackCare chief executive Nia Taylor said: "The old-fashioned treatment for back pain was prolonged rest.

"But bed rest for more than a day is bad for your back because your bones and muscles get weaker, you get stiff, lose physical fitness and may well get depressed. We are therefore keen to promote the idea of active recovery and early intervention.

"A prompt diagnosis and correct early treatment can be the difference between a recovery or long-term chronic back pain. Exercising to work through your pain will aid recovery."

It is vital any seat provides stable bodily support in a number of positions which are comfortable over a period of time, physiologically sound and appropriate to the task.

Look out for:

An adjustment which enables you to sit at the correct height relative to your desk - this might highlight the need for a footrest or a desk height adjustment.

A movement facility or "free float", allowing you to change your position in relation to the work being done.

The movement of the chair, in conjunction with the backrest, allows you to be supported at all times.

The chair has adjustable arm-rests, backrest and seatslider so it can be correctly fitted to the individual.

Make sure the chair is comfortable.

The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae, with discs which act as shock absorbers in between. If the outer casing of these discs is damaged, it causes a prolapsed disc, known as a slipped disc.

The most common form of back pain occurs when the muscles of the back go into spasm. This often happens after doing something strenuous or when you have been in an awkward position for a long time and go to move.

The lowest region of the back, the lumbar, is the most vulnerable area because it bears the entire weight of the upper body. It is flexed, twisted and bent more than any other part of the spine and therefore suffers more wear and tear.

The Back Store in St George's Road, Brighton, provides a whole range of specially-designed chairs, desks and ergonomic solutions to back and posture problems.

It will also send a consultant, free of charge, to your office.

David Blood, director of The Back Store, recommends periodic stretching and regular breaks, which will increase circulation and help prevent muscle fatigue.

Breaks should be taken before you become tired, as this will avoid discomfort, monotony, error and inefficiency.

If you get back pain, keep moving even if it hurts. Lie down during the day only if your pain is unbearable and if it is still bad after two days, see your GP.

For more details, call The Back Store on 01273 685125, email brighton@backstore.co.uk or visit www.thebackstore.co.uk