NICE updates guidance on older workers and back pain

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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has updated workplace guidance about the health and wellbeing of older employees and the treatment of back pain. In its guidance on older employees, or those aged over 50, NICE has made a number of new recommendations, including the need for employers to:

• Treat employees on an individual basis, avoiding stereotypes, such as the assumption that an older employee may find learning new tasks difficult or a younger employee is less dependable.
• Offer and encourage older employees to undertake training if their job role changes, or if they may have received education and training some years ago.
• Help older employees to access health and screening services, such as cervical screening and eye tests, as well as allowing them time off to attend appointments.
• Address key life stages or events that may affect an older employee, such as offering carer’s leave or flexible working to care for grandchildren or parents.

Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive and director of health and social care at NICE, said: “The number of older people in employment is set to increase – people are living longer and will be working well into their 60s and 70s. Protecting their health and wellbeing is essential if we are to maintain a healthy and diversified workforce. Our new recommendations will support older employees and help keep them in employment for longer by providing clarity on their needs.” When it comes to back pain, NICE has updated its 2009 guidance on the early management of low back pain and has published draft recommendations for public consultation. The draft guidelines recommend that exercise in all its forms (for example, stretching, strengthening, aerobic or yoga) should be the first step in managing low back pain. Massage and manipulation by a therapist should only be used alongside exercise because there is not enough evidence to show they are of benefit when used alone, it has argued. People should also be encouraged to continue with normal activities as far as possible. In a significant change, the draft guidelines no longer recommend acupuncture for treating low back pain. Paracetamol on its own should no longer be the first option for managing lower back pain.