17, 277 reasons to be sick

Sickly Brits will suffer 17,277 ailments during their lifetime, a survey revealed.

Each of us endures an average 221.5 bouts of illness, however brief, every year.

Over a 78-year lifespan, we can expect 1,326 headaches, 390 stomach upsets, 234 colds, 312 blisters and 1,014 incidents of cramp.

Back pain is the nation’s biggest torment, striking each of us about 80 times a year. That’s an agonising 6,240 bouts in a lifetime.

Bumps and bruises come next. We each suffer 60 a year in accidents — or 4,680 in a lifetime. Headaches, at 17 a year (1,326) come third.

TOP TEN UK AILMENTS: 1 Back pain (80 a year, 6,240 a lifetime); 2 Bumps and bruises (60; 4,680); 3 Headaches (17; 1,326); 4 Heartburn (15; 1,170); 5 Cramp (13; 1,014); 6 Pulled muscles (9; 702); 7= Stomach upsets (5; 390); 7= Cuts (5; 390); 9= Blisters (4; 312); 9= Cricked neck (4; 312).