Vienna (OTS) – Back pain is a widespread disease: almost two million people in Austria are affected. On Back Health Day, March 15, 2023, MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital will present options for treating and preventing back pain. Additionally, the two institutions launch the initiative “Saúde das Costas 24/7/365” with the objective of relieving employees of the health system and keeping them healthy.
In Austria, almost two million people are affected by back pain – women more often than men. Age also plays a role: the older the person, the more often symptoms occur. Every fifth person under age 60 is affected, and more than a third person over age 60 is affected. “With comprehensive, guideline-based diagnosis and therapy, a large portion of healthcare costs can be saved by avoiding chronic pain,” says Richard Crevenna, head of the Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine at MedUni Vienna and the General Hospital of Vienna.
Low back or back pain is usually non-threatening and does not require any specific therapy unless there are tangible organic causes such as herniated disc, fracture, severe osteoporosis, tumor spread (metastases) or certain infectious diseases. A good 80 percent, however, is “non-specific” or “non-specific” back pain, for which a dangerous triggering cause cannot be identified in the first place. “In these cases, there should be no “overtreatment” on the medical side. Sick leave is also inadvisable, and those affected should not be forced into counterproductive inactivity by bed rest. Instead, conventional and conservative measures should be used. Patients should be told that the pain is not dangerous and that movement actually improves the pain situation,” says Richard Crevenna.
Measures for the treatment of back pain include information, drug-based pain therapy, as well as movement therapy and training, but also heat applications, which usually lead to success within six weeks. If there is no improvement after this period, specialist diagnosis is recommended. “Interdisciplinary pain medicine” views back pain as becoming chronic as a result of biopsychosocial factors. It aims to provide comprehensive treatment for those affected. These include an improvement in physical condition, carrying capacity, coordination and body awareness, as well as better control of load limits. Psychotherapeutic interventions aim to reduce emotional distress. “Any method that doesn’t match the cutting-edge medicine taught at universities is not recommended,” says Crevenna.
Campaign “Back Health 24/7/365”
MedUni Vienna and University Hospital AKH Vienna are launching the “Back Health 24/7/365” project. The initiative includes targeted training measures during working hours that address the physical and psychological strain of professional groups. Employees learn how they can actively contribute to the health of their backs.
Book tip:
Richard Crevenna: “Back Pain – Prevent and Actively Treat”
Health.Knowledge Series; MedUni Vienna at MANZ Verlag
ISBN 978-3-214-02529-8, 208 pages, 23.90 euros
Order online at shop.manz.at
Questions and contact:
Mag. Johannes Angerer
medical university vienna
Responsible for Communication and Public Relations
Phone: 01/ 40 160 11 501
Email: [email protected]
Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna
www.meduniwien.ac.at/pr
Karin Fehringer, MBA
University Hospital AKH Vienna
Head of the information and public relations center
Vienna Health Association
Phone: +43 1 404 00-12160
Email: [email protected]
Währinger Gurtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna
www.akhwien.at/presse