Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

BRITONS PREFER LOOKING GOOD TO PAIN RELIEF

Most people would rather spend their money on salon treatments or luxury toiletry products than on tackling a back or joint problem, according to the results of a BOA (British Osteopathic Association) survey released today.

A pressure to look good, fueled in part by TV makeover shows and the wider availability of cosmetic treatments, dominates British lives, with many people choosing to spend more on their appearance than on treating chronic health problems such as back or joint pain, repetitive strain injury, or sports injuries

Astonishingly, 31% of respondents said they would act more quickly to put right a bad haircut or a broken nail, compared to only 10% who saw a muscular or joint problem as a priority.

Most people responding to the survey (67%) spent up to £40 a month on toiletries compared to just 4.7% on complementary medicines, despite around 61% of the UK population experiencing back pain at some time in their lives.

The results come at a time when a consultant osteopath has been chosen for the 1st time to treat the England football team for trauma management and preventative care of sports injuries, alongside the usual team of doctors, physiotherapists and masseurs.

Karen Robinson, president-elect of the BOA, says: “People are spending more time and money on looking good than looking after their long term health and this does not bode well for the health of the nation.

“Osteopaths seek to treat the cause rather than the symptom of pain. If someone is suffering from headaches it might be caused by neck or back pain. Taking painkillers will just prolong the problem. It doesn’t take long for a quick consultation with an osteopath for them to determine what can be causing the pain and decide on the right course of action.

“People these days need to know what their choices are and where the best pain relief can be found. They should be advised on alternative forms of health care by their GPs - such as osteopathy - if they seem useful”.

An estimated three in 10 local health authorities in Britain currently offer alternative therapies to patients, and the NHS runs and funds an outpatient clinic and five hospitals that provide homeopathic treatments, including the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital. Doctors there are all trained in orthodox medicine as well as complementary disciplines.

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Editor’s Notes

The researchers interviewed a sample of 2,452 people over the Internet between 15 May and 6 June this year.

About the British Osteopathic Association

The British Osteopathic Association is the largest professional association for osteopaths in the UK, acting as an independent representative body whilst promoting the highest standards of osteopathic education and research. Established in 1946 the BOA is committed to supporting, protecting and caring for its members and promoting opportunities for individual and professional development in osteopathic practice. For more info and to search for an osteopath, visit the website: www.osteopathy.org

Contact:

For further info and the full survey results, contact:
Rebecca Jones
VP Communications
Tel: + (0) 44 208 964 0260
Email: rebecca@vp-pr.com

FURTHER STATS AND THE QUESTIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST