News Release
Back Pain Week
6th October 1997
Researchers at the University of Ulster have carried out the first ever study into the treatment of lower back pain by physiotherapists.
The survey covered over 1000 patients and 175 physiotherapists and was conducted by the Rehabilitative Sciences Research Group at the University. This group is the largest of its kind with eight staff and 15 postgraduates attached to it. Dr David Baxter, Professor of Rehabilitative Science at the University said:
"The cost of low back pain, in terms of treatment and days lost at work is very high. It has been estimated that the cost to the health service in Northern Ireland of the back pain of health services employees is in the range of £1.5 million pounds. That's more than the entire health service budget for research."
Some of the findings from the study show that there is little uniformity in the treatment offered to patients. Said Mrs Jacqueline Gracey, lecturer in Physiotherapy and part of the Research Group:
"Before this survey all we had was anecdotal evidence that people were not all treated to the same standards. We know the way those presenting with low back pain should be treated. The sooner they are treated by a professional, the better their recovery.
"Over the past few years physiotherapists have been working with GPs to increase their knowledge of how to treat back pain. No longer are people told to stay in bed. In fact, it is far better for them to continue with their normal routines, as far as they can.
"That's one of the messages that we hope to get across to people during this National Back Pain Week. With prompt help the outlook for back pain sufferers is much less bleak that it was before."
The Research Group is following up their survey with a controlled trial run in partnership with two hospital trusts, Belfast City Hospital Trust and the United Hospitals Trust. This trial will monitor the treatment given, assess psychological factors and self-management to see what treatment leads to the best outcome.
For further information, please contact:
Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk
