The theme of this year’s campaign is, ‘Believe you can do it’. It aims to raise awareness about how we can help to look after our backs, but highlights just how many of us are affected.

During any one year, up to half of the adult population will have back pain without any single cause being pinpointed.

Many steps can be taken to improve our back health, such as taking regular exercise, staying active, postural awareness, strategies for lifting and driving, relaxation and of course, a wide variety of treatment options.

Throughout Back Care Awareness Week Shiatsu practitioner Chris Collins will be offering free 30-minute taster treatments at his base in Great Hale during the week commencing October 6. Any voluntary donations will go to support the Sleaford GIFTS Hospice Dig Deep Appeal.

Mr Collins has been supporting the charity for over two years which he sees as a valuable community resource.

He said: “Everything they do is focused on people in this area, offering palliative care and hospice facilities. I have raised about £440 in all but back care awareness week was particularly good last year when I raised £200 from my sessions.

“I am hoping to offer shiatsu to the carers and staff at the hospice.”

The day hospice, which opened this year, is funded by donations to its Dig Deep Appeal, aiming to raise £500,000 to secure the future of the building and pay for the ongoing care of people living in Sleaford and district.

Shiatsu is a Japanese therapy which uses hand and finger pressure to stretch, hold and lean into various parts of the body to improve improves energy flow, blood circulation, flexibility and posture and helps restore vitality and good health. The patient remains fully clothed and it is suitable for all ages.

The free sessions will focus primarily on back, neck and shoulder issues. But Mr Collins is happy to accommodate those with other health conditions or just wanting to try out this deeply relaxing therapy.

To book a session, email enquiries@lincolnshireshiatsu.co.uk or call 01529 469440 or 07985 002833.