National Spinal Health Month: A Healthy Spine Supports A Healthy Mind
June is National Spinal Health Month, an initiative of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) to encourage Australians to join the “spinal health movement” to prevent back pain disorders that remain one of the leading causes of disability in Australia while increasing mental health complications for sufferers.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) including back pain, account for the greatest proportion of persistent pain conditions which is often linked to depression and psychological distress.
Psychological distress in the form of anxiety or depression is common among acute back pain sufferers. Even when symptoms are short-term and not medically serious, without appropriate early treatment acute back pain can lead to chronic back pain disorders increasing physical and mental health disability risks.
Risk factors of developing long-term chronic back pain include avoidance behaviours when back pain sufferers ignore symptoms and avoid movements or activities due to fear of causing injury or increasing pain.
However, while limiting movements and activities may be recommended for some acute injuries during healing, if sufferers ignore symptoms and restrict or avoid movements and activities in response to chronic pain (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Model), it can increase pain and the risk of disability over the long-term.
During National Spinal Health Month, Suncoast Chiropractic is encouraging our community to join the “spinal health movement” to get back to feeling good by maintaining a healthy spine to support a healthy mind.
With four out of five Australians expected to experience back pain at some point in their lives, and with chronic pain increasing the risk of mental health challenges, if people are experiencing back pain issues, they should contact us on 5492 5588 for a spinal health assessment.
Visit spinalhealth.org.au to download FREE information including the Back Pain Factsheet, the Back Pain & Mental Health Factsheet and a range of posters on how many musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, can be prevented with some lifestyle changes and treated with drug-free, holistic healthcare.
