A health expert has advised people to avoid back pain by being sensible with their luggage and shopping bags over the festive period.

Speaking to The Early Show on US television network CBS, primary case physician Dr Alanna Levine said that the exertions of travel and Christmas shopping are common causes of lower back pain.

She urged people to use smaller bags when carrying purchases around, while also being careful about how they pack their holiday luggage.

"You don't want to load everything up into one bag and lug it around. You want to distribute the weight on your body," Dr Levine explained.

The medical expert also said that people risk injuring their back when lifting luggage from an airport carousel.

She added that travellers should stand close to the carousel and bend their knees when picking up bags.

"You want to avoid that reach-and-lift. It puts a lot of strain on your lower back."

Last week, podiatrist Emma Supple told the Daily Mail that unsupportive footwear could cause young people to suffer from back pain in later life.