SCHOOLCHILDREN in Bolton are more at risk of developing joint and back pain than ever before, national research has shown.

Almost one in three patients being seen by British Chiropractic Association members suffers from injuries stemming from childhood.

And with heavy school bags, sitting at computers and lack of exercise taking their toll, the association warns theses figures are set to grow.

Research found that 29 per cent of parents with schoolchildren said their child had complained of back pain, while 38 per cent said they were worried about their child's posture.

More than half of parents thought their child' school bag was too heavy and 38 per cent estimated their children spent more than five hours a week using a computer or games console. For further chiropractic information, log onto: www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk