Curtin University has collaborated with the Department of Health (WA) on a new website, launched today, designed to help people manage chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Associate Professor Helen Slater from Curtin’s School of Physiotherapy, said the painHEALTH website is the first of its kind in Australia and has the potential to help the estimated one in five Australians who suffer from chronic (also known as persistent) musculoskeletal pain.
“Musculoskeletal pain affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves and can impose significant health burdens on individuals living with persistent pain as well as their carers,” Associate Professor Slater said.
“The health economic burden for chronic pain in Australia in 2007 was estimated at $34.3 billion ($10,847 per person). According to the National Pain Strategy, chronic pain accounts for 20 per cent of visits to general practitioners and of these persistent cases, around 25 per cent are for musculoskeletal pain.”
The painHEALTH website will assist people with low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and complex regional pain syndrome to better manage their pain condition in collaboration with their health team.
“The website offers interactive self-checks and self-management tips to help people better manage the complex nature of persistent pain. It provides an evidence-based, integrated approach to managing pain which includes paced exercise and activity and goal setting, cognitive and behavioural approaches as well as advice on meditations,” she added.
“There are also stories from real patients who have lived with and learned ways to better manage their pain.”
PainHEALTH is designed for people with musculoskeletal pain and those who wish to learn more about pain management as well as healthcare professionals who treat patients with chronic pain.
For more information, visit the painHEALTH website: http://painhealth.csse.uwa.edu.au/
