North-east researchers are urging people with chronic lower back pain to volunteer for a university study.
The team, led by Dr Kay Cooper from Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Institute for Health and Wellbeing, is seeking members of the public, aged 65 or over, to trial an intervention over a three month period.
To be eligible for the study people need to be living in Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire and have chronic low back pain for which they are not currently receiving any formal treatment or investigations.
The research, funded by The Dunhill Medical Trust, started in October 2013 with patients, health professionals, members of the public and other experts being interviewed about what it’s like to have chronic low back pain and what people can do to help themselves.
Taking part in the research would involve being matched up with a peer support volunteer and receiving their support via six meetings or phone conversations over a three-month period.
Dr Cooper said: “Low back pain affects around a third of over 65’s with many reporting chronic symptoms lasting for 12 weeks or longer.
“Treatment such as physiotherapy is widely available and can be very effective, but due to the nature of low back pain many people need to develop a long-term self-management strategy.
“This can include things like exercises, being physically active, relaxation techniques and having a plan to cope with setbacks.
“Through our research we hope the intervention might prove to be a useful strategy for some over 65’s who want a bit of support to be able to successfully self-manage their chronic low back pain.”
To take part call Dr Cooper on 01224 262677 or e-mail k.cooper@rgu.ac.uk
