Latest news with #backpain
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a physical therapist who suffered from crippling back pain for years... here is the cure I swear by
Back pain is one of the most common, persistent annoyances for a large share of Americans. About eight in 10 adults deal with back pain at some point in their lives, largely from slouching or sitting at a desk all day. Sanjit Koomer, a physical therapist in Canada, is one of those people - suffering from the condition for over two years - despite his job revolving around helping others manage their own pain. He has gone to massage and physical therapists only to be given the 'same generic, copy-paste exercises' that did nothing for his pain. That's when he decided to take matters into my own hands and rebuild his back 'from the ground up.' Koomer discovered a stretch called the 'reverse Jefferson curl,' which he called a 'gamechanger.' The exercise consists of facing a wall and placing your hips flush against it. Then, clasp your hands behind you and slowly lean your shoulders and head back, keeping your arms straight. Hold for a few seconds before slowly returning to standing straight. In his video, Kooner uses a weighted backpack to provide resistance and he claims the move helps stretch and strengthen muscles in the back. He told Fit and Well: 'It wasn't a magic fix, but once I introduced it consistently — two to three times per week — I started noticing real improvements over a couple of months. It became a key part of the bigger picture that helped me recover.' He noted the move may be particularly helpful for stiffness and or 'lack of posterior chain control,' or trouble coordinating lower back and pelvic muscles. Kooner demonstrated the move in a recent Instagram Reel and suggested beginners start with their hands on their hips for additional support. 'Focus on segmental spinal control first—no weight, slow tempo, and small range,' he said. 'Once comfortable, you can add resistance gradually.' The physical therapist said he used a three-pound backpack in the video and would suggest no more than 10 to 15 pounds at a time. He recommends completing around 10 repetitions, four to six times a day. Kooner claims the movement works because the spine 'is designed to move and bear load in all directions.' By moving back muscles in different unusual directions it helps to improve mobility and flexibility and combat stiffness. Kooner said: 'This exercise helps improve spinal flexion strength and control, which are often neglected in rehab and training programs.' Causes of lower back pain primarily come from the arthritis of the spine, or the slow degeneration of spinal joints. As cartilage breaks down, surrounding tissue may become inflamed. Additionally, back injuries can happen at any moment, even just from sitting at a desk or getting out of bed. Temperature changes may also induce inflammation in the joints and spine, leading to pain. While at-home exercises can provide relief, people with severe pain or back injuries should consult with a doctor before trying any exercises.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
The best garden kneelers for comfort and support, tested by a gardener and injury specialist
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We will earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. It's important to kneel down when rooting around in your garden or pulling up weeds by hand as this minimises your risk of developing back pain (the most common gardening injury). But kneeling can quickly become uncomfortable or cause other injuries without correct protection. Using a long-handled weeding tool can help in some instances, but when you need to get close to the plants you're tending, a good garden kneeler is the way to go. Garden kneelers may seem similar at first glance, but as with garden hoses and leaf blowers, the differences soon become apparent once you start trying them out. Prices range from £15 to £60 and leading brands such as Burgon and Ball, Sarah Raven and Lakeland Active offer a wide range of designs. You'll even find some that double as seats which have metal frames to help elderly gardeners or those with limited mobility to get up and down. To help you make the best choice, this article is updated regularly. Best garden kneelers: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best garden kneelers I'm a gardening expert and former soft-tissue injury specialist, so I know first hand how important it is to take care of your body when tending to your flower beds and veg patches. Choosing the best garden kneeler can limit direct injuries like scratches and bruises, and inflammatory conditions that develop from kneeling on hard surfaces, such as prepatellar bursitis. Start by considering how you usually garden. If you have problems with mobility, look for a kneeler with a metal frame to support you as you lower onto the kneeling pad. They also flip over to become a seat, which great for a quick rest, though they are less portable. If you tend to move around your garden a lot then use a lightweight kneeling pad which has a carrying handle for easy transport. You can also try knee pads that strap around your legs to leave your hands free to carry secateurs and other tools. Larger but heavier kneelers let you reposition yourself without dislodging the pad while smaller, more portable kneelers are good for quick jobs but offer less padding. Consider materials, too. Hard-wearing textiles like canvas and leather are more expensive but for rough surfaces like gravel, paving or brick, they are a necessary investment to ensure longevity. If you're only going to use the kneeler on soil or grass, then a softer, cheaper material will suffice. How we test garden kneelers I took an armful of kneelers to my garden and allotment to test them out, firstly on a bark chip surface, where I carried out some much-needed weeding and dead heading, then on paving slabs, and finally on gravel. I even scratched the kneelers along the ground to test the durability of the fabric. Gardening can test the fitness and endurance of even the sprightliest of us, and transporting a wheelbarrow full of tools for every job can get tiring quickly. So, I wanted the kneelers I recommended to strike a good balance between being easy to carry around and comfortable. I judged everything from set-up to handle design (and even seat design if a kneeler was multi purpose). I was also looking for kneelers that were waterproof and would stay put on muddy ground if needed, useful in all seasons, clean easily and crucially appeared as though they would stand the test of time. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best gardening product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best garden kneelers of 2025 1. Best Buy Garden Kneeler: Genus Gardening Kneeler As one of the more expensive kneeling pads on this list, I was hoping for greatness and happily, I was not disappointed. It's also the thickest pad I tested, offering protection for long days in the garden. It is made from hard-wearing polyester fabric that feels comfortable on bare knees and is tough enough for all garden surfaces. It's also waterproof, so you can use the kneeler in wet conditions without ruining your trousers. Helpfully, the cover is also removable, which makes it easy to maintain; either sponge clean or brush away small amounts of dirt, or hand wash the cover in soapy water if it is really mucky. This pad is big enough that you can place your hand onto it too, negating the need for gardening gloves, which you'd want if you put your hand in the soil to balance yourself. This also takes some pressure off your back. It's heavy duty but still light and easy to carry with two handles, so you can grab it and go straight onto the next task. Key specifications 2. Best Value Garden Kneeler: Burgon and Ball Kneelo Garden Kneeler Available in 18 different colours and patterns, this Burgon and Ball Kneelo kneeler will add a little fun to your garden shed. A layer of thicker foam is sandwiched between two layers of soft memory foam, a combination that protects your knees when on rough surfaces and feels comfortable for long periods. The outer layer is made from neoprene, which felt breathable and soft when I had bare knees, and it dried quickly and was easy to clean. Lined neoprene isn't the most hard-wearing fabric though, so this kneeler will have a longer lifespan if only used on softer surfaces such as bare soil or grass, even if it's more than padded enough for use elsewhere. This kneeler is similar to the Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection Kneeling Pad below, but is slightly wider, softer and lighter. This is unlikely to make a huge difference to your experience, but the Burgon and Ball is better if you like to kneel with the tops of your feet flat on the ground, putting more weight on your shins than knees. It also will need moving less frequently, giving you room to shift your position on the mat to reach different parts of your garden beds. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 52cm, W 30.5cm, D 6cm Material: Neoprene cover, EVA and memory foam filling Special features: Wide range of colours and patterns 3. Best Gardening Knee Pads: Burgon and Ball Kneelo Knee Pads These knee pads are a refreshing alternative to the traditional gardening kneeler. Designed for active gardeners who are constantly on the move, these pads secure comfortably to your leg, letting you go anywhere without concern for potential knee pain or injuries. The Velcro straps mean the fit is adjustable, with one positioned above the knee and one below, leaving the back of your knee clear of any extra fabric. The pads are thick and contain cushioning memory foam, similar to that of the Kneelo Garden Kneeler, and are covered with neoprene, which is waterproof to protect your skin and trousers from getting wet. Wash them with a sponge and some soapy water; I found they could withstand some scrubbing with a soft brush too. I will admit to feeling slightly self-conscious wearing these pads at first on my allotment, but I soon started enjoying my newfound freedom. If you're never in the same place for too long, these knee pads are the best choice for you. Available in 10 different colours ranging from bright yellow to a soft grey, there is something to suit every gardener, though be warned they can get hot in warm weather. Key specifications 3. Best Garden Kneeler for Comfort and Style: Sarah Raven Kneeler This kneeling pad uses firm but comfortable foam covered in waxed cotton with a leather carrying handle and pouch. The handle is big enough to loop it over your arm, leaving your hands free to carry gardening tools. The pouch also comes in handy if you have a lot to carry as there's extra space for secateurs or gardening gloves. This kneeler is quite narrow at just 21cm wide, so it would suit if you're someone who puts weight on your knees rather than placing your shins flat. It provides good cushioning while the waxed cotton cover wipes down easily and offers a level of water proofing. I noticed scratches and scuffs though, and while it doesn't affect overall use it can look unsightly. If this is likely to bother you, the Niwaki, Genus and Sophie Conran kneelers are all made with scratch-proof fabric. This one offers more protection for your knees than the Sophie Conran design, and is softer than the Niwaki and Genus kneelers, so it's a case of prioritising your preferences before you make a purchase. Otherwise, the quality of the Sarah Raven Kneeler is exceptional, and with its aesthetically pleasing design, it would make an excellent gift too. Key specifications 4. Best Garden Kneeler for Serious Gardeners: Niwaki Kneeler This wide, firm garden kneeler is excellent for tough surfaces in the garden. It has five centimetres of relatively hard foam, covered by a thick and durable layer of canvas. It's a no-nonsense design that will protect your knees, but as the foam is quite hard it might not suit some people's taste. It would favour heavier gardeners or anyone who doesn't want soft cushioning. One benefit is that rather than sinking into the padding, it makes standing up a little easier. The other is that firmer kneelers like this one offer some stability on uneven ground, though you may find you can't spend as long on your knees. I particularly liked its width, too. At 29cm there's ample space for your shins and hands to push yourself up, and it remains lightweight despite its size. The fun, bright red handle is even large enough to carry looped over your arm. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 48.5cm, W 28.9cm, D 5.4cm Material: 16oz coated canvas cover, spongy inner Special features: It floats 5. Best Garden Kneeler for Beginners: Sophie Conran Kneeler This classy little kneeler is easy to carry, lightweight and offers a decent amount of cushioning for a low price. Its thick cotton cover is coated with PVC, making it easy to clean and surprisingly durable. The fabric is waterproof and can be quickly wiped clean after use, too. There's no compromising on looks, protection or comfort here. The carrying handle is large enough to loop over your arm. And while the padding is relatively thin, it feels comfortable, even on stony ground. My only gripe is that it's quite small. This makes storing it easy but you'll have to move it regularly if you are shifting position. As an affordable all-rounder, this kneeler would make a lovely gift and is a great choice for new gardeners looking to add some eye candy to their garden shed. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 44cm, W 23cm, D 5cm Material: PVC coated cotton cover, padded inner Special features: Leather tag 6. Best Kneeling Pad for Comfort: The Kew Gardens Collection Patterned Cushion Kneeler from Spear and Jackson Score: 8/10 We like: The soft, deep cushioning and different colours Like a good pair of gardening gloves, this padded kneeler will help protect your knees from sharp objects on the ground and provide comfort while pruning and tending. The cover is made from lined neoprene, making it waterproof and easy to clean, though I noticed it can snag and catch on sharp objects. I tested a fair few of this type of kneeler and this is one of the deepest, providing excellent cushioning for your knees. The Spear and Jackson Kneeler has quite a small pad size, which is pinched in the middle, so you'll likely need to adjust it as you move around for optimum support. The trade off is that it is easier to store. It has an ergonomic carrying handle, though the thick padding around it means it's a bit of a challenge to carry additional tools like a gardening fork in the same hand. It's available in eight different colours, so at least you should be able to match it to the rest of your kit. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 47cm, W 28cm, D 5.3cm Material: Neoprene cover and memory foam filling Special features: Available in eight different colours 7. Best Garden Kneeler with Handles: Draper 2-in-1 Folding Garden Kneeler This kneeler offers a solution for gardeners with limited mobility, as its metal frame provides handles to help you lower yourself down and give you support when standing again. And if you flip it over it becomes a seat, too. It's not padded, mind, and at just 32cm high, it's fairly low and likely won't feel that comfortable for long, especially if you are tall. Large sunken holes on the seat pad aren't great in muddy conditions either, as they can be difficult to clean. With that said, the pad on the Draper kneeler is much wider than the one on the similarly designed VonHaus (below), which is comfortable and gives you more flexibility for its use. While some slightly unappealing plastic buttons adorn the pad, I didn't notice them during testing. Overall, the kneeling pad feels sturdy and comfortable. It is lighter than other folding garden kneelers I tested, easier to fold away and set up and has a greater weight limit of 19.7 stone. It's just a shame the seat isn't a tad more inviting. Key specifications Design: Folding garden kneeler and seat Size: L 24cm, W 12cm, D 4.8cm, H 40cm Material: Metal frame and dense foam pad Special features: Easy to fold 8. Best Garden Kneeler with Seat: VonHaus Garden Kneeler Seat and Tool Set This clever kneeler is a good choice for any gardeners who struggle to go from standing to kneeling and vice versa. With handles that double as legs for a seat and foam padding on both sides, it is versatile and supportive, and should help you to garden for longer. There's even a nifty tool pouch on the side attached with a Velcro loop making it adjustable for accessibility at all times, whether you're seated or kneeling, and it comes with a set of tools to boot. The metal frame feels sturdy and easily takes your weight as you lower yourself onto it (although the 15 stone weight limit is lower than the Draper above and it's a heavier frame overall). It is a little clunky to fold down and requires you to pull in a handle while folding in the legs on either side. With this type of kneeler it can be difficult to work on the ground, however. As it is slightly elevated, it means you have to lean forward more which can put pressure on your lower back. Additionally, the pad itself is quite narrow, at only 15.5cm wide, which can feel a bit uncomfortable if you need room for your shin as well as your knee. If it suits your gardening style, however, it's a sensible buy. Key specifications Design: Folding garden kneeler and seat Size: L 59.5cm, W 27cm, H 49cm Material: Metal frame and dense foam pad Special features: Comes with tool pouch and three tools 9. Best for Seniors: Crocus Folding Garden Kneeler This garden kneeler is rather similar to the VonHaus folding design, though I found its smooth coated metal handles slightly easier to clean. There's no tools holder, but it feels sturdy and well-built; to set it up, simply pull the legs out until they click and turn it upside down to turn it into to a seat. The overall height and padding on both sides makes this device comfortable to use whether as a kneeler or a seat. The weight limit is 15 stone, which will accommodate most gardeners. Disassembly felt a bit awkward, as you have to pull in a bar next to the seat while folding in one leg and then repeat on the other side. Again it's the same mechanism featured on the VonHaus, but this one seems a tad smoother. It is not as easy to carry as a kneeling pad; the handles add weight and bulk, so I'd only opt for this design if you want to benefit from the additional support and the seat. I'd recommend using a wheelbarrow to transport tools and the kneeler around the garden. Key specifications 10. Best Kneeler for Small Gardens: Lakeland Active Thistlewood Memory Foam Garden Kneeler This small and pretty garden kneeler offers excellent comfort over long periods. It should tidy away neatly and is available in six different colours and patterns, adding a little pop to your potting shed. As a relatively firm kneeling pad, this will give you good protection from uneven and hard surfaces, helping to absorb the feel of stones and other bits on the ground. This kneeler would suit working in tight spaces but bear in mind you will need to continually shift it underneath you as you move. This is not uncommon, but the smaller the pad, the more you will need to adjust. A comfortable carrying handle makes it particularly portable. In all, this kneeler would be a good choice if you have a small garden and limited storage space. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 49cm, W 30cm, D 5cm Material: Neoprene cover and memory foam pad Special features: Available in six different colours and patterns 11. Best Garden Kneeler for Muddy Gardens: Senua Kneeling Pad £11.99 Buy now Price at Amazon This heavy duty no-frills garden kneeler is both budget and knee friendly. Made from foam, it is tough, durable and waterproof with a lightweight feel and carry handle that make it suitably portable. You can choose between black and blue colourways, too. It has nearly four centimetres of padding and it is particularly firm, so will easily cushion your knees against rocks and other hard and uneven areas in your garden. The support is such that it shouldn't flatten underneath you, even if you're a heavier build. I even found it comfortable to sit on when I needed to give my knees some respite. However, as the hardest kneeler on this list, it certainly won't feel as comfortable if you are using it for longer periods of time. It's not the one to choose for sink-in comfort, but if you want a hard-wearing kneeler that you can hose down once you're done, look no further. It's an excellent alternative to the often trickier-to-maintain fabric covered designs. Key specifications Design: Kneeling pad Size: L 45cm, W 28cm, D 4cm Material: Dense foam Special features: Easy to clean Garden kneeler FAQs What is the best type of garden kneeler for comfort and support? The best type of garden kneeler for you depends on your levels of mobility, writes gardener and former injury specialist, Becky Searle. With handled kneelers, they are always a few inches above the ground, and this can make reaching towards it more uncomfortable. If you just want to protect your knees while gardening, choose a cushioned kneeling pad or knee pads. Are all garden kneelers waterproof and easy to clean? No, not all garden kneelers are waterproof, but most are easy to clean. Garden kneelers with handles have more parts to clean, and textured fabric is more difficult to wipe than smooth fabrics; coated fabrics are easier to maintain than uncoated ones. Many garden kneelers are covered in neoprene, which is easy to clean but can snag on sharp objects such as thorns, unlike coated or waxed cotton, leather or canvas. Are garden kneelers with handles easy to use for getting up? Getting up from a kneeling position can be a challenge even for younger gardeners after a prolonged period, so having handles to push yourself up is extremely useful. The handles either side on this type of kneeler help you to distribute your weight evenly across both sides of your body, helping you to stand.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paul Simon Sparks New Health Fears After Canceling Two Concerts Amid Ongoing Back Issues
Music icon Paul Simon is sparking new fears for his health after axing two upcoming shows due to excruciating back pain – leaving insiders fearing the 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters' singer is headed towards his sad last days. Now sources fear the 83-year-old voice of multiple generations is coming to grips that he's headed to the final curtain of his career — and life — as he is overwhelmed by a growing raft of physical ills. The shocking show cancellations last month came as the aging 83-year-old Graceland maestro must undergo a 'surgical procedure' to relieve 'unmanageable' back agony. As Globe has reported, the condition's the latest in a string of health woes including one that's robbed the 'Sound of Silence' singer of 96 percent of the hearing in his left ear back in 2023. The baffling and still undiagnosed hearing condition struck while Paul was working on his latest album, Seven Psalms, and kept him from touring and playing some of his more famous hits like, 'You Can Call Me Al.' 'Quite suddenly I lost most of the hearing in my left ear, and nobody has an explanation for it,' Paul says. 'My reaction to that was frustration and annoyance — not quite anger yet — because I thought it would pass, it would repair itself.' But sources say that only some of his hearing returned. Sources say the singer, who rocketed to super-stardom on a massive string of mid-1960s hits with his then-partner Art Garfunkel, has become resigned to his approaching final curtain. 'It's just the age we're at,' the musician notes. 'Gordon Lightfoot just passed away, Jeff Beck too. My generation's time is up.' Medical experts tell Globe that Paul's crippling issues are likely to grow worse — and his adoring public should prepare for his retirement. 'At his age, hearing, nerve and joint damage are only likely to increase,' says Dr. Gabe Mirkin, a Florida longevity specialist. 'The older we are, the harder it is to bounce back from such serious ailments.' A music industry source says Paul seems to be having trouble accepting the inevitable, adding: 'It must be total agony for him to come to terms with what is clearly a fast-approaching end.' Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why Walking More Could Be the Key to a Healthier Back
You don't need a fancy chair, a pricey standing desk, or a trip to the chiropractor to protect your back. According to a new study out of Norway, the real game-changer might be as simple as walking. Researchers tracked the daily movements of more than 11,000 adults using wearable sensors to monitor how much they walked, and the results were eye-opening, according to Science Alert. Those who walked between 78 and 100 minutes per day cut their risk of developing chronic low back pain by 13 percent. People who walked over 100 minutes a day dropped their risk by 23 percent. And here's the best part: it didn't matter how fast they walked. Whether it was a slow stroll or a brisk pace, the total time on your feet was the key factor. Chronic back pain ranks among the top causes of disability worldwide, especially in our increasingly sedentary culture. Despite what the booming ergonomic industry might have you believe, sitting less and moving more could be one of the best ways to protect your spine. While exercise has long been recommended for managing back pain, this study, published in JAMA Network Open, highlights walking as a simple, effective way to prevent it before it starts. Even better, you don't need a complicated workout plan—just a commitment to making movement part of your daily routine. The study's lead researchers noted that daily walking appeared more impactful than walking speed or intensity. Whether it's a walk around the block, a stroll with your dog, or laps around the office, it all adds up. And the benefits of walking don't stop at back pain prevention. Countless studies link regular walking to improved heart health, better mental clarity, weight control, and even a longer life span. The takeaway? Walking isn't just good for your step count. It might be one of the simplest ways to keep your back healthy and pain-free. Sometimes, it really is the basics that make the biggest Walking More Could Be the Key to a Healthier Back first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 17, 2025
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Mother-of-one, 27, crippled by her 36K breasts forced to pay for own reduction op after the NHS refused
A mother-of-one whose massive breasts were causing her agony and unwanted attention has shared her outraged after the NHS refused to pay for reduction surgery. Caitlin Telford, 27, from Glasgow, has suffered with excruciating back pain for years having been rejected by the NHS for breast reduction surgery when she was just 17-years-old, and already sporting a size 32G chest. By the time she was just 25-years-old her breasts had ballooned to a whopping 36K, after the birth of her son Luca in January 2023. But the young mother, now in constant pain and having developed grooves in her shoulders from the sheer weight of her breasts, was refused treatment once again. 'It just puts you down as you feel like no matter how much weight you lose, because you have a bigger chest you're never going to be a weight that you can be,' she said. Ms Telford said she felt 'hopeless', uncomfortable in her own body but unable to afford the £10,000 it would cost to have the surgery done privately in Britain. 'By the time I had left primary school, I was already bigger than most of the girls in my class and they just continued to grow and grow,' she recalled. She added: 'They were getting in the way of everything and I would get a lot of unsolicited male attention when I went out.' At 17, Ms Telford visited her GP for a consultation which she hoped would lead to breast reduction surgery. 'But the doctors pawned me off and said because I was young, I hadn't stopped growing so they would not put me forward for it,' she said. 'Then the pain started across my back. I was also developing grooves in my shoulders where my bra was pulling on them constantly.' Before becoming pregnant with her son, Ms Telford did everything she could to lose weight in the hopes that this would make her an appropriate candidate for surgery, dropping an impressive five stone to help her case. 'I went back to the doctor when I'd lost the weight and I got rejected again,' she said. 'It was annoying as they seemed to be taking my overall weight for my BMI and not thinking about the weight of my chest,' she added. At the beginning of this year, after seeing people celebrating New Years Eve in little dresses, she recalled thinking: 'I just can't do this anymore'. In a final effort to end her misery, Ms Telford started looking for private clinics further afield. Ms Telford said when she used to go out she would get a lot of unsolicited male attention from the age of just 17-years-old, already sporting a 32G chest Her surgery means that she will no longer have to take painkillers to manage her symptoms and has already boosted her confidence ahead of her birthday when she is looking forward to wearing a strapless top She was then recommended a clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, who offered to do the reduction surgery for just £3,600 less than half of the £10,000 she was quoted in the UK. Using a loan from her parents, Ms Telford underwent the 'life changing' operation last month that saw her drop 11 cup sizes to a modest C-cup. 'A few people I knew had been to Turkey, and the price difference was unreal,' she said. 'I'm very happy with my new breasts and it's changed my life. 'Now I can put on a vest top and not feel like I'm exposing myself. Ms Telford is not the only woman suffering pain from large breasts who has been denied surgery on the NHS. However, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde maintains that only cases meeting all necessary criteria are considered for breast reduction surgery, through a clinical assessment which considers the severity of symptoms and overall health. Whilst some experts are concerned that women are seeking these procedures for cosmetic reasons, Dr Judy Evans, honorary secretary at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, told the BBC that far too often women are being dismissed. She said: 'Breast reduction is an operation which can free people from neck pain, from back pain and enable them to look after their children better. 'It's the most wonderful operation in terms of what it does for the person, but also I believe in the long term it saves a lot of money for the NHS.' While Ms Telford enjoyed success by going overseas for surgery medics have warned Britons to be wary of going overseas for cheaper procedures. At least 25 Britons are known to have died during or shortly after surgery in Turkey in recent years. Many more have been injured, with some requiring life-saving care upon return to the UK for complications like infections. While all surgery carries risks, campaigners and surgeons have urged patients to thoroughly do their research before opting to go under the knife overseas. Breast reduction surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic and involves repositioning the nipple, removing excess fat and tissue and reshaping the remaining breast. It takes around two to three hours and often requires patients to stay in hospital overnight to recover.
