According to Philippe Raoux, osteopath at London"s Kailash Centre, lack of activity in childhood can lead to poor spinal development and back problems in later life.

"If you slouch when you watch TV while your spine is growing, you put your back at risk," he says. The curves at the neck and lower back may not develop properly, yet these are needed for shock absorption when we are walking, running or doing any physical activity.

How to diffuse: It is vital to develop good spinal curvature in childhood through exercise - poor curvature cannot be reversed. The earlier you become active, the better if you want to prevent chronic back problems.