BACK pain is something nearly everyone will suffer from at some point in their life and a Trowbridge osteopath is trying to raise awareness of how you can help yourself during National Back Pain Week.

Claire Gregory, 25, a former pupil at the Clarendon School, based at Martial Arts Leisure, on the White Horse Business Park, is encouraging people to use martial arts to maintain their health after treatment.

"There are only three certain things in life and those are death, taxes and bad backs," Miss Gregory said.

"You wouldn't drive your car until the oil ran out, you keep topping it up, and looking after your body is the same thing."

Miss Gregory set up her practice last year and has just expanded to larger premises, where she has access to a team offering all forms of martial arts.

With more than 10 years experience in martial arts and a black belt first Dan in karate, she believes many people can benefit from taking up this form of exercise and relaxation.

"I see so many patients and once you have treated them you want to pass them on to someone else," Miss Gregory said.

"People can't come to an osteopath and pay so much each time, every time they have a little pain. I would rather they maintain themselves.

"I ask them what they would like to do and give them some motivation, for example by telling them it will help them."

The team offer various forms of therapy including tai chi, yoga and pilates as well as more strenuous forms of exercise.

The exercise not only helps to improve physical condition, which can help prevent further back pain, but is also of use in relieving the stresses of modern life.

"If you have a problem it can be made worse by stress. A lot of people spend a lot of time hunched over in front of computers.

"We have these stone age bodies and modern day lives. If you are doing a lot of sitting around and not a lot of moving, you are likely to get problems."

For more information on the service call Miss Gregory on (01225) 767766.