One of our chiropractors, Jan Olsen, comments on the latest report on muscle and joint disease.

In a very comprehensive study  that  the Lancet published last month (The Global Burden of Disease 2012), conditions of the muscles and joints were found to be affecting 1.7 billion people. This represents an increase of 45 percent over the past 20 years. Back and neck pain sufferers alone account for close to 1 billion people raising fears over the potential physical and economic impact.

The Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health (GAMH)  is a powerful organisation influencing health care policies worldwide. It is pushing to keep people moving and to reduce the effect of disability caused by musculoskeletal conditions by prioritising these in policy making and by encouraging the diversion of resources. The British Chiropractic Association is an affiliate of GAMH and the association’s president comments  “The figures for the incidence of back and neck pain are very worrying and demonstrate the fundamental global impact that these problems are creating.  This mirrors the situation in the UK as demonstrated in regular consumer research commissioned on behalf of the British Chiropractic Association.  Patients are telling us that back and neck pain is having a significant impact on all aspects of their daily lives. Chiropractors have particular expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and management of back and neck pain and offer a package of care as recommended by NICE in Clinical Guideline 88, The Management of Low Back Pain”.

Without trying to scaremonger, these figures are truly astonishing. Is it not about time that the various healthcare disciplines dealing with musculoskeletal conditions got together to form a united front? It is obvious that the healthcare system as it stands is struggling to cope with uncomplicated acute and chronic muscle and joint disease. In many GP surgeries too much time is spent  dishing out repeat prescriptions of painkillers and anti-inflammatories when a recommendation to an outside professional would probably be of more help to both sufferer and the overworked doctor. Of course these drugs have their uses in musculoskeletal medicine but they are not designed for long term use. It is well documented that back pain should be dealt with quickly and effectively. If spontaneous healing has not taken place within three to four weeks of onset, physical treatment, such as chiropractic, should be started immediately for the sufferer to have a decent chance of making a full recovery. Leaving it longer will prolong the condition and significantly reduce the person’s ability to get completely better.

You have obviously found us, so why not contact us to arrange a free assessment on 01903 230066? This will provide you with the opportunity to meet me or my colleague Ian to discuss your symptoms in more detail and understand the treatment that we can provide, answering any questions that you may have. We have years of experience and we have helped 1000’s of people to get back on their feet, improving their well-being and therefore their ability to live the lifestyle they enjoy.

We look forward to seeing you.

Press release from the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health