Ground-breaking research unlocks spinal health for older Australians

By Greg Chapman

According to CQUniversity researcher Associate Professor Katie de Luca, low back pain is not only continuing to be the greatest cause of disability worldwide, but it’s also a contributing factor to co-morbidities in Australia’s elderly population. 

Details of the research were unveiled during a joint press conference at CQU’s Brisbane campus with the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), as part of national Spinal Health Week (20-26 May).

The research, Back Complaints in the Elderly: Chiropractic – Australia was funded by the ACA and led by Assoc Prof de Luca. 

The 12-month longitudinal study surveyed more than 200 older adults who sought chiropractic care for their low back pain. Specifically, the study looked at the clinical causes of back pain, predictors of disability in older adults with back pain, and determined the safety and satisfaction of chiropractic care.

“One in four older adults will experience back pain at any point in their lives. Low back pain is more debilitating in older adults, than in younger adults. Many suffered moderate to severe back pain and more than two per cent reported crippling back pain which had a substantial impact on their lives,” Assoc Prof de Luca said.

She added that lower back pain meant that many older adults had difficulties completing everyday tasks such as cooking or showering, and many were unable to participate in social activities with their friends and family.

Assoc Prof de Luca said her previous research had shown diabetes, cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, mental health disorders and obesity were all found to be more common among women with spinal pain than in women without spinal pain, demonstrating that comorbid chronic diseases may contribute to allostatic load which accumulates with a person’s exposure to chronic physiological, biological and/or psychological stress. 

In response to a lack of research on healthcare options for older adults with back pain, Assoc Prof de Luca recently launched the COMEBACK study at CQU to assess the feasibility of adapted exercises for older people with back pain and comorbid conditions. 

She said the research showed that the benefits of chiropractic care to help treat older adults with back pain was vital.

“The findings of this small study revealed that participants in the exercise program showed an overall increase in functional and aerobic capacity, a decrease in depression and anxiety, and importantly, decreased frailty – all leading to an increase in reported quality of life,” she said. 

“Back pain is considered a global public health issue by the World Health Organization (WHO). With the life expectancy of Australians increasing, the number of older Australians experiencing disability and declines in functioning from back pain will continue to surge. Chiropractic is an important option for Australians of all ages to improve their overall health and wellbeing.”

Retired farmhand Len Beck, 75, has been visiting CQU’s Chiropractic clinics for more than five years to receive ongoing treatment for a back injury he sustained as a teenager. 

“It’s kept me sane, it’s kept me moving. It’s enabled me to play table tennis, play golf. I can walk. I’ve been able to go fishing up in North Queensland,” he said.

“If it wasn’t for this (the clinic) here, none of that would be happening.

“CQUniversity Chiropractic school is the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my old age. Truly, I’ll say that until the cows come home.”

ACA President, Dr David Cahill said Assoc Prof de Luca’s research was consistent with WHO’s recommendations that went against the prescribed use of opioids and paracetamol to treat low back pain as these medications have proven largely ineffective and come with a range of significant associated risks and side effects.

“Assoc Prof de Luca’s research findings are consistent with interventions endorsed in the WHO guideline, which importantly include spinal manipulation and warn against bed rest,” Dr Cahill said.

“Having invested over $2.2 million into neuromusculoskeletal research overall, the research conducted by Assoc Prof de Luca has added value to the field of chiropractic by presenting vital insights into improving the spinal health and overall health and wellbeing of older Australians who suffer spine-related pain."