Back pain 'linked to chimpanzee ancestors'

People who suffer from back pain may have closer links to their chimpanzee ancestors, according to researchers.

A study in Canada found evidence that suggests individuals with chimpanzee-like vertebrae are at greater risk of suffering a slipped disc.

It is believed bad backs may partly be the result of learning to run before we could walk in evolutionary terms.

The rapid evolution of our ability to walk upright on two legs appears to have left some people vulnerable to back trouble.

Lead scientist Dr Kimberly Plomp, from Simon Fraser University in Canada, said: "Our study is the first to use quantitative methods to uncover why humans are so commonly afflicted with back problems compared to non-human primates.

"The findings have potential implications for clinical research as they indicate why some individuals are more prone to back problems.

"This may help in preventative care by identifying individuals, such as athletes, who may be at risk of developing the condition."