The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy recently celebrated Back Care Awareness Week last October 8 to 12.
Facts & Figures
In a recent survey commissioned by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) 41 per cent of people say they have experienced back pain/ache in the last two years. Despite evidence that exercise is crucial to the relief and prevention of back pain problems (1), only 3 per cent were given advice on exercise by their GP and 32 per cent of people had to wait 2-6 months to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are experts in the management and prevention of back pain. Early intervention by a physio reduces the likelihood of back pain becoming a chronic problem.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for chronic disability and incapacity for work in the western world. In the UK up to 5 million working days are lost each year and up to half a million people receive a long term state incapacity benefit because of back pain. In addition to the impact on individuals and their families, back pain is estimated to cost the UK economy up to £5bn a year (source: DWP). Back problems can have a dramatic effect on everyday life, affecting work, leisure activities and family or social relationships – 66 per cent of people in the survey say their work and/or personal life has been affected in a negative way by back pain or backache.
The CSP has come up with a leaflet entitled ‘Lazy Exercise and Back Care’ to help busy people integrate some simple exercises into their lives to help increase fitness and avoid the misery of back pain.
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