An increasing numbers of British people are suffering from back ache, shoulder pain and other ailments as a result of money worries, new research has indicated.

CreditExpert said that physiotherapist Sammy Margo has seen a 25 per cent rise in the number of stress-related injuries she treats since the onset of the recession.

According to the credit report service, 'recession strain injury' is a new phenomenon in the UK, with many people finding that financial difficulties are affecting their health.

Symptoms of the injury include neck, shoulder and arm pain, pins and needles in the hands and lower back pain.

Ms Margo commented: "A typical response to stress is that muscles tighten and go into spasm. With prolonged stress this worsens and as a result leads to aches and pains."

Research from CreditExpert shows that 14 per cent of UK residents are worried that they owe more money than they can manage.

Ultrasound machines can be used to treat conditions such as back ache by increasing blood flow to affected areas and reducing inflammation.