Chiropractic Helps Australia’s Health

More than 3.7 million Australians have back pain or similar problems according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's (AIHW) two-yearly report card, Australia’s Health 2018, published last week. The Back Clinic welcomes this report as an opportunity to bring attention to common neuromusculoskeletal conditions, and highlight how chiropractors can help improve the health of Australians.

Australia’s Health 2018, launched by the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health, reports how Australia is generally a healthy nation but there are some key areas where we can do better.

The Back Clinic founder, Dr Omar Ayouby (chiropractor) says that “According to the report, back problems get worse the older you are, with 16% of Australians reporting back problems in 2014–15, rising to 26% for the over 55 age group. Lifestyle and posture habits can often be a big factor in determining how well your spine can handle stress."

"With a core focus on musculoskeletal health, chiropractors are qualified to take care of challenges such as back pain, headaches and neck pain. Why would you not want to restore and maintain a more normal spinal function if you can?”

The AIHW report also highlights the concerning increases in the use of opioid drugs, opioid-related poisonings, overdoses and deaths. Reflecting international trends, opioid prescriptions in Australia rose by 24% between 2010–11 and 2014–15.

Recent research suggests most pain medicines have little to no effect compared to placebos in treating lower back pain. GP's are now unlikely to recommend pain medicines for the management of lower back pain in response to changes to guidelines.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) low back pain guidelines recommend health professionals and patients should choose drug-free approaches for low back pain, several of which are commonly utilised by chiropractors. For example, in acute and subacute low back pain, these recommendations include options including spinal manipulation, where drug treatment is not desired. For chronic low back pain, the guidelines recommend treatments including exercise therapies, rehabilitation and spinal manipulation.

Dr Omar explains, "If you suffer with back pain, chiropractic care may be a valuable option for you to consider. By using accepted techniques, and working with patients individually, chiropractors are well qualified, and well placed to help improve the health of the community."

Visit thebackclinic.net.au/articles to learn more about improving the health of your spine and how chiropractic can help.

For more information on chiropractic, visit www.thebackclinic.net.au.