BACK PAIN
Choice magazine – March 2011

Choice surveyed more than 770 members who have experienced lower back pain in the past 12 months to find out how the pain affected their lives. As well as who and what they turned to for treatment. 

Current clinical practice guidelines in Australia recommend taking paracetamol as a first line of treatment for pain.  Ibuprofen is not recommended for asthmatics or those with gastro-intestinal problems, but can be taken alone in the combination with paracetamol in paracetamol alone isn’t effective.

Many people also use hot and cold packs to help relieve back pain.  More than half of Choice members who used these found them to be beneficial, with almost 30% saying it helped a lot.  Topical medicated creams also rated well, with more than 60% of members surveyed saying they helped a little and 23% saying they helped a lot with back pain relief.

What about manual therapies?
Physiotherapy rated highest for member satisfaction with close to 80% of CHOICE members surveyed who sought Physio for back treatment were completely or somewhat satisfied.

For the full article, go to...
http://www.physiotherapy.asn.au/images/Document_Library/News/choice%20magazine%20-%20what%20a%20pain.pdf

Better Back Health
Tips for better back health...

	Maintain a healthy weight
	Keep active
	Learn to lift correctly
	Ensure your mattress and pillow are providing enough support
	Avoid slouching – use your core stomach muscles to maintain good posture and protect your lower back
	Make sure your computer and desk are ergonomically set up
	Check you kids’ school bags are not too health for them and are adjusted for maximum comfort
	Don’t sit or stand in the same position for too long – move around!