A local landscape gardener has received back pain relief for the first time in years after an inventor in Long Preston made him a bespoke prototype back support.

Following years of back pain, Chris Myers, from Thornton-in-Craven, teamed up with Giggleswick School science teacher Angus Macnab, who is also the maker of a back support invention named Vertibax.

Manual tasks over the years have caused Chris to suffer from trapped nerves in his back. And, while he doesn’t have pain all the time, one wrong move or turn can trigger a sudden attack and bring him to his knees.

Vertibax is the brainchild of Angus, who himself suffered from back pain after a car accident in 2000.

Following extensive medical treatment he was able to return to work at Giggleswick School as a biology and chemistry teacher. But continuous pain led him to develop the revolutionary Vertibax.

Drawing on his training as a biochemist, Angus created a unique design which not only offers pain release, but can also enhance rehabilitation after an injury and reduce the risk of an injury.

Chris’s back problems inspired Angus to design a support specifically for people in manual work.

The Lower Heavy Task Core Lumbar Support, as it is called, has proved very effective.

“I remember telling Angus how bad my back got sometimes and that I’d be at the chiropractors every six weeks or so for treatment,” Chris said.

“My muscles would go into spasm, squeezing the nerves in my back, and my legs would literally give way. It was my muscles telling me to slow down.

“Angus said he’d have a go at designing a support that allowed me to work. It had to be warm but breathable. He came up with a device that you can add or take away boned support and it has been brilliant.

“After a successful trial I wouldn’t be without it now and haven’t had to go for treatment since. I don’t even know I’ve got it on most of the time.”

The Vertibax comes in standard sizes and can be ordered online at vertibax.co.uk or can be bought at Twin Locks Garden Centre, in Gargrave.