Low back pain sufferers 'often receiving inappropriate care'

More and more people are suffering from lowback pain worldwide - an issue that is being made worse by the widespread prevalence of inappropriate treatment methods. This is the conclusion of a series of new scientific papers published by The Lancet, which have reviewed evidence from high and low-income countries, finding that this is a global problem that can only be solved through better adherence to best practice treatment guidelines. A global problem exacerbated by ineffective care The first of these new reviews revealed that low backpain is now the leading cause of disability on a global basis, with the issue becoming more prevalent over time, particularly in low and middle-income countries. It is most common and burdensome in working populations, with many older people finding that their back pain prevents them from taking part in daily activities. Although most cases of low back pain are short-lasting, recurrences are common, with the costs associated with back pain-related healthcare and work disability shown to be enormous. Part of the reason for this was highlighted by the second review, which revealed significant discrepancies in the types of treatment given to these patients. In many cases, sufferers receive emergency care for their pain and are encouraged to rest and stop work, contrary to medical recommendations; they are also commonly referred for scans or surgery, or prescribedpainkillers such as opioids, which are discouraged for treating low back pain. Profess...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news