THE use of apps which help people with lower back pain in a bid to tackle NHS waiting lists has been praised by the Colchester MP.

Seven platforms have been given the green light for people over the age of 16 to manage their condition in early value assessment guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

According to the NHS Long Term Plan, lower back pain is the biggest cause of disability and is thought to account for about 30 per cent of GP consultations every year.

UK Health Security Agency figures show there are 9.11 million people living with long-term back pain in England.

NICE said it hopes its guidance will work towards reducing inequalities in care for musculoskeletal conditions and hopes the move could reduce NHS waiting lists.

Health minister and Colchester MP Will Quince said: “These apps are yet another example of how technology can be used to help patients get the care they need, when they need it."

He added: “This will help to reduce pressures on the NHS and can help to cut waiting lists – one of the government’s top priorities – and will help people to live happier, healthier lives.”