It is actually, contrary to perception, not that easy to damage the spine which is made of solid, bony blocks joined by discs to make it strong and flexible, doctors say.
Ligaments reinforce the spine and powerful muscles surround it for protection.
Most pain, when it occurs, arises from the discs, muscles, ligaments and joints in the spine. According to the Singapore Back Society launched last year, at least one in five Singaporeans gets backache. In DBC's research, in an urbanised, western type society like Singapore, it is estimated that about 80 per cent of all adults will experience back or neck pain some time in life. He cautions against a sedentary lifestyle. For instance, professionals and executives form the main population of back and neck pain sufferers because they sit for long hours and do not have ergonomically-correct workstations.