Managing aches and pains

By Mike Edgley - Docklands Health

Has back pain, neck pain or headaches stopped you from doing the things you love?

Docklands residents and workers are being asked to consider their options for health intervention on back pain after it was found that an estimated 2080 people in Docklands are impacted by the potentially debilitating disorder.

According to the Institute of Health and Welfare, around four million Australians (16 per cent of the population) have back problems. It is estimated that 70 to 90 per cent of people will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives and migraines affect nearly five million Australians.

Local chiropractor Dr Brittany Talbot believes that while pain is the main symptom, we know low back pain is now the leading cause of disability worldwide.

“The challenge for someone suffering from back pain is they understandably think the only way to treat the problem is through medication. We need to know that we have options when it comes to spinal health, and to consider a chiropractor for a drug free alternative to alleviate pain,” Dr Talbot said.

According to Pain Australia, with chronic pain being one of the most common reasons for people of working age to leave the workforce, it’s important that we understand all the options for treating pain.

The focus on back pain comes as Spinal Health Week (August 17 to 23) approaches and we are being asked to “Consider a Chiro” when it comes to ailments such as back pain, neck pain and headaches.

The “Consider a Chiro” campaign was born out of research that showed Australians were unaware of the type of support and services that the profession provides.

“Once a person comes in for a consultation with a chiropractor, they are likely to return for future care. However, what we also know is that for a lot of people they are unclear about the type of care chiropractors can provide,” Dr Talbot said.

It is important that we understand all the options when it comes to caring for our health and wellbeing. The good news is that chiropractic offers you a drug free alternative to not only help prevent and alleviate pain, but to promote a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

This Spinal Health Week is a perfect time to make an appointment with us to see how we may help if you suffer from pain •