Australia's Biggest Health Problem

A generation ago, people used to talk about having a ‘bad back’ as if it was a mystical health problem that was poorly understood.

Today, most people know that back pain is a very common and potentially serious health issue – but many still aren’t sure what to do about it – and we want to change that at Fairfield Wellness.

An international study published this month shows that Lower Back Pain is the leading cause of disability in 45 out of 50 developed countries including Australia.

The Global Burden of Disease study looked at trends between 1990 and 2013 across 188 countries. Australian statistics show that out of the top 10 causes of ongoing disability due to an illness or injury, back pain, neck pain, migraines and other musculoskeletal issues took out 4 of the top 5 places.

Lower back pain was also in the top 10 for every single one of the 188 countries in the study, which highlights the importance and pervasiveness of this uncomfortable and often debilitating condition.

The Lancet study shows that developed countries are facing new health challenges, as treatments for acute illnesses have become highly effective, but treatment for chronic disease has fallen behind. We might be living longer, but it seems many of these years are spent living with disability. In many cases the pain and discomfort is avoidable or, with the right treatments can be reduced or managed. This highlights just how important seeking help from the right health professionals is when it comes to improving spinal health.

Too many Australians endure back or neck pain without realising what they can do to manage or prevent spinal problems.  One misconception people have is that bed rest is good for back pain.  However, research shows that in most cases people will improve more quickly and are less likely to develop chronic pain if they are up and moving.

Chiropractors like the staff at Fairfield Wellness are seeing fewer people in Melbourne with back injuries sustained from manual work, but are seeing an increasing number of people with back problems relating to lifestyle, including obesity, excessive devotion to electronic screens day and night and too much time spent sitting down.

Harvard Medical School has found chiropractic care to be beneficial in the management of a number of conditions including back pain, migraines, neck pain and whiplash.

The high prevalence of spinal health issues highlights the importance of raising awareness about the proven efficacy of chiropractic care, so that the millions of Australians with back pain understand that help is available.

The Chiropractors’ Association of Australia has developed a widget to encourage Australians to sit for shorter periods of time at the computer.  You can download this handy health tool for FREE from the CAA website.

If you are experiencing any ongoing discomfort related to your spinal health, come and see the staff here at Fairfield Wellness in Fairfield to help improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Don’t just put up with back pain. Contact our Chiropractors in Fairfield for an appointment to find out if chiropractic can improve your quality of life.