Annual event sees launch of projects to raise awareness on the prevention
and treatment of back pain
A number of initiatives have been launched to support this month’s BackCare
Week, which runs from the 16-22 October.
The theme of the week this year is Active Back Care with the emphasis on
reducing back pain and musculoskeletal disorders by increasing awareness,
identifying solutions and supporting practical projects in the workplace.
Former athlete Roger Black, whose musculoskeletal problems led to a broken
foot at the peak of his running career, is helping to launch the week.
"What the experience taught me is the importance of musculoskeletal
well-being and how much damage one can do if unaware of the problem," he
said.
The activities planned for the week include free nationwide "moving and
handling workshops" for care providers, organised by Mulberry House and St
John Ambulance.
Meanwhile, the TUC and the Forum of Private Business have linked up with
Back Care to run a free phone line during the week providing information on
tackling back pain.
The Forum of Private Business will also unveil the results of a survey of
its 1,500 members. The survey will cover the extent of back problems, sources
of help used by sufferers and the state of knowledge about prevention.
According to Stan Mendham, chairman of the forum, "Nearly 50 per cent
of our members recognise that their employees suffer from backpain. It is
imperative we provide help for these businesses."
A web site has been launched by BackCare, providing on-line information on
backpain – access www.backpain.org
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Free phone line: 0800 032 0044.
BackCare Week information packs, priced £10, are available from BackCare, 16
Elmtree Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 8ST.
