Improving the way we deliver care for Low Back Pain (LBP)

Mary lives with constant pain in her low back.

“It’s a widespread burning and stinging sensation; very painful,” she said.

Most people will experience low back pain during their lives, with thousands attending an emergency department each year. Although low back pain can be incredibly debilitating, a hospital emergency department isn’t usually the best place for people to go.

Funded by the RAH Research Fund, new research is exploring the best options to give people with low back pain.

“Most of the time, low back pain care doesn’t require x-rays or strong medications and can be managed in the community,” said Joseph Orlando, physiotherapist at Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN).

“In our research, we’re tracing patient journeys through community and hospital systems to understand the challenges with delivering healthcare so we can design more appropriate options.”

CALHN Psychology Co-Director Professor Anne Burke said once serious pathology has been excluded, it’s vital that care providers address the range of factors contributing
to the experience.

“Our research is exploring how we can best deliver this kind of support.”

Click here to support the ongoing research into low back pain and pain management.

Mary, a leading consumer advocate for pain management, is pleased this research is taking place.

The project is a collaboration involving experts from CALHN, University of SA and the Commission on Excellence and Innovation in Health.