Australians can expect to suffer more neck and back pain unless there is a new focus on this issue by health professionals and their patients, according to a University of Queensland researcher.
Rheumatologist and Executive Dean of the UQ’s Faculty of Health Sciences Professor Peter Brooks will host an international conference on bone and joint health on the Gold Coast from tomorrow until Sunday, October 14.
Eighty percent of the population is affected by musculoskeletal (bone and joint) pain and the incidence and impact of this condition is expected to increase substantially throughout the world.
“This increase is due to aging populations, lifestyle changes resulting in obesity and decreased physical fitness, as well as an increase in road traffic accidents with the urbanisation and motorisation of the developing world, “ Professor Brooks said.
Doctors, researchers, non-government organisations, patients and government representatives from nearly 40 countries will come together at the conference called the 2007 Bone and Joint Decade (BJD) World Network Conference and International Patient Advocacy Seminar.
Chairman of the BJD Australian Network Ben Horgan said back pain is a common reason for people to take time off work.
Key issues to be discussed at the conference include:
• New exercise strategies that are effectively treating back pain
• The need for education campaigns (for doctors and the general public) to deal with the many misconceptions about back pain
• People with musculoskeletal pain are regularly ignored and their complaints often misunderstood by health practitioners
• The need to improve effectiveness of management and treatment of back pain
• New research that can predict development of back pain.
Media inquiries: BJD Communications Manager Sara Martin – 0405 024910 OR Faculty Communications Officer Marlene McKendry – 0401 996847.
More information is available online: www.bjd.org.au
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