Training : Back pain
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Dr.O’Sullivan and his team use this presentation to illustrate the new thinking in this field with a view to changing the culture in the workplace to a more positive, understanding and pro-active approach to preventing back related injuries. They explore with the audience common myths and facts.

Two types of sufferers are discussed:

1.Those who avoid activity (in the majority of cases because they genuinely believe that they could further injure their back and may in extreme cases, may even end up in a wheelchair) and

2.Those who cope.

The key to the new approach, in the vast majority of cases the person should keep active and not take to their bed. They will not incur further damage by staying active. The team also address how to handle these issues when they occur, for example by temporarily modifying the duties, where appropriate of the individual concerned when the incur such an injury enabling them to stay at work. Advice is given as to when to see your GP and the need for all employees who are off for 4 weeks or more to be reviewed by the occupational health team.

Following a generalized review of the medical literature and procedures a new "evidence based approach" has emerged.
An excellent new booklet The Back Book published by The Stationery Office (Tel. 0117 926 4306) gives details on the best and up to date advice on how to:

-Deal with backache yourself.
-Recover quickly and keep moving.
-Stay active and avoid disability.
-Help yourself to lead a normal life.

It is based on the latest medical evidence and is highly recommended. The booklet is linked to the Royal College of General Practitioners Clinical Guidance for Management of Acute Low Back Pain.