An Australian health expert has suggested that lower back pain could be a result of negative thinking.
According to Western Australian Institute for Medical Research associate professor Markus Melloh, workers with a positive attitude were less likely to suffer from serious, persistent lower back pain than those who were unhappy in their role.
Speaking to Fairfax Media yesterday (April 23), the orthopaedic surgeon and rheumatologist stated that there is a direct correlation between positive attitude and the outcomes of back pain.
"Attitude in the workplace and positive thinking has a huge impact on lower back pain," he said.
"We know positive thinking would make people better, if they get occasional back pain and say, 'that's life,' there is more chance it will go away by itself."
Associate professor Melloh stated that his studies revealed that anatomical tests of the patients surveyed showed no reasons for ongoing pain.
Some private health insurance providers may offer access to services such as chiropractic, osteopathy and physiotherapy – as well as natural therapies such as remedial massage – in order to help relieve lower back pain.
According to a review conducted by Australian Prescriber magazine, approximately one in four Australians suffer from lower back pain – yet only half of these seek care.
