How Back Care Awareness Week can help the health of the nation

3 min read08 October

As an MP with a decade of experience as a physiotherapist, I’m passionate about raising awareness on back health, especially during Back Care Awareness Week (7th-11th Oct).

Back pain is something that nearly 50 per cent of us will experience at some point in our lives and it’s one of the leading causes of sickness absence. So it is crucial to understand how to care for our backs and dispel the many misconceptions surrounding back pain.

One of the most common myths is that if you're experiencing back pain, rest and immobility are the best solutions. In fact, movement is key to recovery. You should continue to twist, bend, and stay as active as your pain allows. Research from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) highlights that 98 per cent of people with back pain recover relatively quickly, often without any need for medical treatment. Regular physical activity can actually prevent back pain from becoming chronic, which is why physiotherapists encourage it as part of everyday life, not just in rehabilitation. Most back pain is non-specific and is rarely a sign of something serious.

That said, if pain persists for 6-8 weeks, see a First Contact Practitioner or GP. Back pain lasting this long might require further investigation and treatment. According to the Association of Orthopaedic Chartered Physiotherapists (AOCP), evidence-based practices show that staying active can not only reduce the risk of future pain but also shorten recovery time.

For those of us in the workforce, employers have a role to play too. Many back problems stem from prolonged poor posture at work, particularly when people spend long hours sitting at desks. Investing in ergonomic assessments and encouraging employees to take regular breaks for movement can make a substantial difference. Simple measures like adjusting chair height or screen positioning, or integrating standing desks into the workplace, can alleviate much of the strain that leads to discomfort.

Chronic back pain also has a mental health impact, which is often overlooked. Living with long-term pain can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. For this reason access to physiotherapy and psychological support is vital in helping individuals recover not just physically but emotionally as well.

As we mark Back Care Awareness Week, it’s a great opportunity to prioritize your back health. Reducing risk factors like obesity, physical inactivity, heavy lifting, and stress or depression can significantly lower the chances of experiencing back pain. By adopting a healthier lifestyle—one that includes regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress—you can better strengthen your back. It's about taking proactive steps not only to prevent back issues but also to enhance your overall well-being and quality of life.

For more information and practical advice on managing back pain, I recommend visiting the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s resources, including their helpful "10 Things You Need to Know About Your Back" and "Back Pain Myth Busters" leaflets. Together, let’s raise awareness and take action to protect our back health for the future.

PoliticsHome Newsletters

Get the inside track on what MPs and Peers are talking about. Sign up to The House's morning email for the latest insight and reaction from Parliamentarians, policy-makers and organisations.