Achin' Back Flash

Mick Jagger is known as the wild man of rock, but old age seems to be finally catching up with Jumpin' Jack Flash. After years of thrilling sell-out crowds with his energy and dynamism on stage, it seems that just like many other 60-year-olds, he has succumbed to back problems.

A pale and tired-looking Jagger went to visit his osteopath in Notting Hill for treatment at lunchtime yesterday. The father of six and grandfather of two was dropped off in his blue Mercedes opposite the private surgery, up a narrow stairway above an Oriental antique shop.

Bad back or no, he could not resist putting on a little dance for a passing motorist - female of course - who honked her horn in appreciation before playing chicken with the traffic.

The Rolling Stones lead singer - who entered his seventh decade in July - spent an hour with osteopath Andrew Ferguson before walking out onto the street with a new vigour and leaping into his waiting car.

He then spent another hour cruising round various properties in Notting Hill, looking for a new flat to rent.

Jagger's spokesman said the back problems have come about only through enthusiastic performances on stage. He said: "Mick has been visiting an osteopath for a few years now. He goes to have his back looked at and massaged and manipulated. It's just to keep his back in shape. It's really because of all the running around on stage and leaping about. There is obviously a natural strain on his back because of that."

A friend added: "Mick isn't getting any younger - he's not invincible and is of the age where he has to start looking after himself a bit more. Andrew Ferguson is his trusted osteopath and he visits him when he can, but obviously, after the long strenuous tour, he needs him more than ever."

The Stones are set to perform in Twickenham on Saturday after cancelling last month when Jagger had flu. He works out in the gym every day to perform on stage for at least 90 minutes night after night, in which time he runs an estimated 12 miles.