While the COVID-19 pandemic is interrupting access to some healthcare services, an innovative approach may hold the key to support for those with low back pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Researchers at the University of Sydney and the Kolling Institute have launched a study to measure the effectiveness of a mobile health program which offers self-management strategies via text messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Study lead Professor Manuela Ferreira said broader options for care are needed given the large number of people who experience the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cLow back pain is the greatest cause of disability worldwide, impacting social, family and work activities,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn Australia, it affects one in six people and is the main reason Australians miss work and retire involuntarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople with low back pain need affordable interventions to help them manage their condition, and this mobile health program provides practical, evidenced-based strategies through text messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cText messaging is an easy, accessible and affordable intervention that can empower people with low back pain to better manage their own symptoms. It can be used to support people anywhere, at any time of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Text messaging initiatives have been shown to help people with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cOur study, named TEXT4myBACK, is assessing two formats of text message interventions, which differ in frequency and content,\u201d Professor Ferreira said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cResearchers will then measure whether the text messages are improving function and back pain symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Musculoskeletal Australia is supporting the study and CEO Rob Anderson said they\u2019re pleased to be involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cMost of us have a mobile phone and use it regularly. Receiving text messaging to help manage debilitating low back pain seems like such a simple, yet effective way to help so many Australians in need. We\u2019re excited to be a part of this study and look forward to seeing the outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n