Blog article

Facts about pain:

• Pain is said to be persistant or chronic if it lasts for longer than 3 months.
• One in 5 Australians live with persistant pain
• Persistant pain is one of the most common reasons that Australians seek massage therapy from a qualified massage therapist
• 68% of people with chronic pain are of a working age
• 40% of early retirement in Australia is due to chronic pain.
• Back pain is the second most common reason people go to their GP and one of the toop 5 reasons people present to Emergency Departments. 
• Low back pain  costs the Australian healthcare system $4.8 billion annually! 
• A Kentucky Research and Outcomes Study published in 2017 evaluated massage therapy impacts on pain, disability and health related quality of life in chronic lower back pain patients. Results showed that participants improved on all outcomes at 12 and 24 weeks post intervention.
• A 2016 systematic review published by Pain Australia found that massage therapy may be beneficial for improving  various types of pain as reported by patients and suggested that massage therapy should be offered to patients for pain management.

5 steps to managing lower back pain.

A. Get checked out by your practitioner if you are concerned. They will examine you and ask questions.

B. Have a plan of action post treatment on how to manage your symptoms. e.g, may initially be ice or hot packs plus pain killers or naturopathic medicines.

C. Then a graded exercise regime specific to your symptoms.

D. Stay as active as possible. Lying in bed for long periods is a no no! That will only delay your recovery.  

E. Stay motivated. You will get better. Patience is the key!

What to expect ? 75% of people with lower back pain get better without treatment. 25% of people will have further episodes. 

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