December 2006

'Straighten Up' events highlight World Spine Day

With its theme of "Straighten Up," World Spine Day, celebrated on October 16, gave chiropractors and other health care practitioners around the world a chance to promote spinal health, posture and stabilization in collaboration with the Bone and Joint Decade.

The International Bone and Joint Decade initiated World Spine Day at the start of the decade to call attention to the burden of spinal disability on individuals and health care systems and to promote better spinal health habits during its annual National Action Week.

Chiropractors worldwide were encouraged to get involved with public educational events featuring spinal screenings, simple posture exercises, spine‑protective bending, and lifting techniques.

The exercises were based on an international program developed by the chiropractic profession in conjunction with researchers, fitness experts and officials from the World Health Organization. Highlights of the event from different countries included:

America ‑‑ Straighten Up America was set up to celebrate World Spine Day in collaboration with the United States Bone and Joint Decade. Doctors of chiropractic taught patients, school children, civic organizations, corporations and others simple enjoyable exercises to improve their spinal health. A national kick‑off event was held in Washington, DC.

South Africa ‑‑ On World Spine day, Straighten Up South Africa, a community service initiative aimed at improving spinal health and well-being, was launched. The campaign encourages every South African family to adopt a simple three‑minute exercise program as part of their daily personal routine.

Australia ‑‑ In Australia, an estimated 16.5 million people will suffer significant spinal discomfort or disability at some stage in their lifetime, and this number is steadily rising according to the Chiropractors' Association of Australia. Prompted by these figures, the CAA launched the Straighten Up Programme across the country and offers specialized spinal fitness programs.

Prof Lars Lidgren, chairman of the Bone and Joint Decade, and head of the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Lund, said: "Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of disability around the world, affecting one out of every four adults and accounting for 25% of the total cost of illness." The Decade aims to build awareness of the burden of musculoskeletal conditions by educating the public and driving research and legislation to improve care.