GMTV takes a look at back pain

In support of Back Care Awareness Week 2008, GMTV took a look at why back pain is on the increase.

GMTV’s Dr Hilary gave his expert advice on the growing problem and ways to treat lower back pain.

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) state that more than 52% of people in the UK now suffer from back pain, compared to 47% in 2007 - a 5% increase in just one year.

Of those suffering, 15% are in constant pain and four out of five will suffer at some point in their lives.

It costs the UK economy £5bn a year and 11m working days lost each year. One in 20 people have taken more than six months off work because of back pain and 13% of sufferers work from home. However, that can also make the condition worse with sitting slouched over a laptop creating poor posture.

Healthcare practitioners are seeing more cases of lower back pain and there are many treatments you can recommend to your patients.

Lumbar rolls are an effective treatment for back pain, the McKenzie Original Roll can be used to encourage correct posture while sitting at a desk or in the car, while the McKenzie Cervical Roll can help relieve pain while in bed.

There are also a variety of positioning aids, such as seat wedges and cushions, which can be used in all kinds of situations and locations.

To help your patients understand their condition, recommend our books, CDs and videos, such as Treat Your Own Back. We also have some suggested reading to improve your knowledge and skills, including Spinal Manipulation Made Simple, Physiotools Back Care, Rapidly Reversible Low Back Pain and General Neurology.

For long term treatment, suggest wearing a back support to encourage correct pelvis and spinal alignment, the Vulkan Back Support will help to relieve discomfort.

Simple everyday activities are the main cause of back pain, even carrying around fashionable over-sized bags can cause pain.

Poor posture is the common reason for lower back pain, which can be caused by driving, wearing poorly supporting footwear, and sitting slouched over a computer at work or playing games.

BCA found that 47% of people blamed housework and cleaning for their back pain, while 31% said driving caused their back problems and a further 9% said pregnancy caused their back pain.

Lower back pain can stop people from carrying out everyday activities, with 38% saying it prevents them from cuddling and playing with their children, 56% having interrupted sleep, and 23% finding it difficult to drive.

Back Care Awareness Week 2008 takes place on 4th-10th October and aims to raise awareness of back pain.