Combatting Australia’s Back Pain Epidemic: National Spinal Health Week (20-26 May 2024) Champions a Healthier Future for Sufferers of Back Pain
With more than 6.1 million Australians suffering from musculoskeletal disorders including debilitating back pain, an initiative of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), is dedicated to improving the spinal health of all Australians through increasing awareness of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) including Low Back Pain (LBP) which currently costs the Australian economy over $55.1 billion annually.
Four in every five Australians experience back pain at some point in their lives, usually as a result of MSDs which account for the greatest proportion of persistent pain conditions and the second largest contributor to disability worldwide; with low back pain the single leading cause of disability globally in both men and women.
Anthony O’Reilly of Health plus Chiropractic, a member of the ACA said, “Back pain is usually as a result of a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) which accounts for the greatest proportion of persistent pain conditions and is the second largest contributor to disability worldwide, with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability globally.
For about 8 in 10 sufferers experiencing persistent symptoms beyond three months, the pain is often not caused by any particular condition. Known as ‘Chronic Primary Low Back Pain’ (CPLBP) or non-specific low back pain, it’s classified as a non-sinister, non-pathological cause with over 90% of back pain due to CPLBP.
For people who experience chronic back pain, their ability to participate in family, social, and work activities is often limited, leading to negative impacts on both physical and mental health with significant costs to families, communities and Australia’s economy.
According to the new World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings (Dec 2023), LBP is a very common condition which the WHO has labelled a global public health issue.
The guideline written by a world-wide range of leading musculoskeletal health practitioners provides evidence-based recommendations on holistic non-surgical interventions including chiropractic treatments.
Of the millions of Australians already impacted by MSDs including LBP, 58% are of working age in their peak income earning years (25-64), with physical workers the highest percentage of Australians at risk of back pain and injury.
With physical work typically involving strenuous activities that can strain the spine, muscles, ligaments and joints; lifting, repetitive actions such as bending, squatting or standing for extended periods can lead to musculoskeletal injuries which, if left untreated, can lead to a chronic pain condition or disability.
Older Australians are also at high-risk, particularly those over 65 years as they’re more likely to develop chronic LBP which can restrict activities and limit their overall enjoyment of life with devastating consequences including loss of physical and mental capacity and restricted mobility which limits participation in society with psychosocial impacts.
Inactive Australians who don’t exercise and spend long hours sitting at work or at home are also at risk of developing poor posture, weight gain and a range of associated musculoskeletal problems that can impact their quality of life and overall health and wellbeing.
Introducing Elizabeth Webster – Massage Therapist
To book massage therapy with Elizabeth, call us on 9631 8944
Health plus Chiropractic is a team of health care professionals with a conveniently located office in Parramatta North, committed to the highest quality of care and service by being consistently enthusiastic, efficient, loving and dedicated to health care. We have very, very experienced chiropractors, massage therapists and podiatrist at Parramatta.
We will treat and educate those who strive for optimum health and well being and in return, be rewarded by seeing satisfied patients, reaching our full successful potential and bringing joy and fulfilment to us all.
Our chiropractic services include managing spine, joint and muscle injuries, pain management.
Massage therapy covers remedial, pregnancy, sport and relaxation massage.
Podiatry services include gait analysis, orthotics, diabetic and general foot care.
Parramatta Light Rail
The Parramatta Light Rail project is around us in Church Street. We are unaffected in operating and opening. Have a look at the link and allow an extra few minutes to make yourself familiar with the new layout. http://www.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-north
