Skip to content

Surgery Door
Search our Site
Tip: Try using OR to broaden your
search e.g: Cartilage or joints
.

Be BackCare aware

Complementary therapists more effective than traditional treatment, reveals back pain survey

Back Care charter to tackle back pain

'Be BackCare Aware'

A survey carried out  in October 2001 by BackCare - the national organisation for healthy backs -  revealed that complementary therapists are more effective at managing back pain than traditional practitioners.

The survey of BackCare members nationwide, carried out for 'Be BackCare Aware' Day in October 2001, asked members who had helped them most with their condition, for example doctors, complementary practitioners, relatives, friends or employers.

The survey revealed that almost 60% of respondents rate the support they receive from complementary or alternative healthcare professionals very highly. These include osteopathy, chiropractors, Pilates, hydrotherapy and the Alexander technique. In contrast, only 36% give a high rating for conventional healthcare professionals, such as doctors and consultants. Relatives were rated as just as helpful as conventional healthcare professionals.

Only 6.8% are happy with the support they receive from their employers, although some beacons of good practice were highlighted.

The results also revealed that respondents who are happy with conventional medical care favour their physiotherapists, as opposed to their doctors or consultants. One respondent wrote: "In my own opinion GPs provided the least help. Hospital consultants usually only offer pain killers or injections. Complementary therapists treat you as a whole person and not just a back pain and physiotherapists are brilliant!"

Alison Mills, BackCare's chief executive commented: "The results of this survey will help us discover and publicise just how many inspirational and supportive people are 'back care' aware. It will also provide valuable information to help us identify where we can provide extra support and advice about issues relating to back pain and rehabilitation."

She added: "As a charity, we embrace a broad church of treatments for back pain. The results of this survey have provided us with valuable information which will help us identify where we need to provide support and information about issues relating to back pain and rehabilitation."   

On "Be BackCare Aware Day",  BackCare also emphasised the importance of partnership in supporting back care by launching an All-Party Parliamentary Group, and unveiling a ten-point BackCare Charter at a reception at the House of Lords.

Themed 'Stand up for BackCare' the event provided a key focus for issues closely linked to pain management and any research into the practical help that can be given to those experiencing back pain, enabling them to re-engage in activity and enjoy a social and working life.

For copies of a Backcare Awareness Day pack, or for general information about BackCare, please call 020 8977 5474, write to 16 Elmtree Rd, Teddington Middx TW11 8ST, or visit the website on www.backpain.org.

Patron:  HRH The Prince of Wales


 We are indebted to BackCare for the information they have provided for this section.