Pharmacist issues warning over foods fuelling 'inexplicable surge in joint and muscle pain'

"Pain is becoming a huge health issue, and something we are increasingly seeing in pharmacies every day," pharmacist Noel Wicks, advisor to Deep Relief, told GB News.

What's more, one of the key factors driving the surge in aches and pains among young people appears to be lifestyle, according to the report.

The rise of technology, spending hours sitting down, constant screen use and slouching are all playing their part.

Back pain is particularly widespread, with 48 per cent suffering from lower back issues and 20 per cent dealing with upper back problems. Shoulder, arm and neck pain are also common complaints.

But it's not all about being sedentary – one in five people blame being too active, with exercise injuries contributing to the problem.

But perhaps the most significant finding is that 52 per cent of sufferers have absolutely no idea what's causing their muscle or joint pain.

Could diet be playing a role in all this unexplained discomfort?

It's something few people consider, but inflammatory foods packed with sugar, fat, salt and processed ingredients might be fuelling the problem.

Our eating habits have shifted dramatically over the past 50 years, and this increased consumption of inflammatory foods may explain why many people struggle to pinpoint the source of their pain. And there's promising evidence to back this up.

A meta-analysis looking at seven studies found that people who followed an anti-inflammatory diet experienced notably less joint pain.

"Diet has really changed over the past half century, and the increased intake of inflammatory foods could lie behind the supposedly inexplicable joint and muscle pain," explained Noel.

The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to ease the discomfort.

Noel recommends overhauling your diet by focusing on unprocessed, plant-rich foods – including colourful fruits and vegetables, beans, wholegrains like oats and barley, plus omega-3 rich fish such as salmon and sardines.

Movement is equally important, so everyone should aim to get up and stretch at least once an hour, and try for 30 minutes of daily activity like walking or swimming.

The next factor to consider is good posture. So remember to sit up straight at your desk and adjust your screen so you're not hunching over it.

And finally, prioritising sleep can actually increase your pain threshold and make it easier to cope with discomfort.