With the clocks going forward this weekend and the blossom on the trees, one could believe that spring is on its way! After what feels like an eternity the prospect of getting outside is almost too much to bear. With the outlook for better weather, after a long cold and wet winter, I am sure we are all desperate to venture outside and enjoy the wonderful countryside. Many of you will be attacking the garden in preparation for summer or hitting the golf course in the hope of improving your game, or just making the most of being outside!

​But a word of caution as you emerge from hibernation, your body might need a little bit of warming, or should I say warning before the vigorous demands of the garden take their toll! It is quite normal to feel a few aches and pains in the lower back as your body adjusts to moving more vigorously again.   ​Nonetheless, as many of you are aware, it is not only those who overdo the gardening that can suffer from back ache, those who sit at a desk all day also are at increased risk as their abdominal and back muscles become increasingly weaker.