New Centre Researches Back And Neck Pain Treatment, Australia

Main Category: Back Pain
Also Included In: Bones / Orthopedics;  Pain / Anesthetics
Article Date: 15 Oct 2007 - 12:00 PDT


A multimillion dollar Australian centre for back and neck pain research and treatment will be launched today (Monday, October 15, 2007).

The University of Queensland has received a $2 million grant to establish a Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health.

The Centre features two community-based clinical research sites where trials of innovative new treatments for spinal pain will be conducted.

The Centre's multidisciplinary group of chief investigators will collaborate with a network of Australia's leading spine scientists and provide training for a new generation of spine scientists.

Director, Professor Paul Hodges said back and neck disorders were an important area of study for key economic and social reasons.

"Eighty percent of the population is affected by these types of conditions, which impact all age groups," he said.

'More than one in five Australians suffers from back and neck problems at any time and these conditions are the most common reason for people to be off work. In terms of economic burden on society, musculoskeletal pain and injury is second only to cardiovascular disease."

Professor Hodges said the funding provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council over five years recognised the need for research that would lead to more effective treatments.

"It is also recognition of UQ's track record of research excellence in this area, which includes internationally recognised experts in the fields of physiotherapy, neuroscience, medicine, psychology and health economics," Professor Hodges said.

There is an opportunity for people in the community with back or neck pain to be involved in the work of the Centre and contribute towards improving knowledge in this area.

Executive Dean of UQ's Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Peter Brooks said establishment of the Centre recognised the need to raise awareness of musculoskeletal disorders in what has been declared the Bone and Joint Decade (BJD) - 2000 to 2010.

"The World Network of the BJD has just held its annual meeting on the Gold Coast (October 12-14)," Professor Brooks said.

"The event, which focused on spinal disorders, attracted several hundred people including health professionals involved in treating back and neck pain and patients. The newly formed Centre played a key role in this conference."

People wanting more information about the Centre or who are interested in participating in research studies can phone 07 3365 4567.

For further information please go to
The University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia

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