HC Deb 27 July 1976 vol 916 cc211-2W
43. Mr. Costain

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he will take to support research into methods of reducing the incidence of back pain.

Dr. Owen

I attach high priority to studies of back pain and my Department would consider supporting any research project with meets scientific methodological criteria. Many of the more basic investigations fall within the compass of the Medical Research Council, which will be considering the whole question of back pain, to which it too attaches a high priority, and the Department has informed the council that suitable biomedical studies funded by it will be accepted as part of the commissioned research programme supported by funds transferred to the Health Department as a result of the Government White Paper on research.

52. Mr. Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to provide for a reduction in the incidence of back pain.

64. Mr. Grist

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures he proposes to take to cut the incidence of back pain.

Dr. Owen

Back pain is a major source of discomfort and disability to many people and a serious economic problem in terms of lost production, sickness benefit and cost of treatment. In order to see how the problems associated with it can be tackled, a working group is being established including experts from the several specialities concerned and individuals with knowledge and training in manipulation techniques multi-disciplinary membership, including representatives of general practice and the medical and surgical specialities concerned—under the chairmanship of Professor A. L. Cochrane. It will have the following terms of reference:

  1. (i) To review the existing provision for back pain and to advise whether services could be more effectively organised within existing resources.
  2. (ii) To advise on what questions need to be answered before further improvements in services can be planned.
  3. (iii) To advise on the development of back pain clinics to provide early treatment and advice on prevention.

Health education has an important rôle to play in reducing the incidence of back pain, and in May the Health Education Council issued a leaflet "Mind Your Back" giving advice on reducing back strain.

Mr. Jessel

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to bring about a reduction in the incidence of back pain.

Dr. Owen

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Members for Brighton, Kemptown (Mr. Bowden) and Cardiff, North (Mr. Grist) today.