Spinal Research Group

Back Pain has been a feature of human life throughout history. Yet in the past century we have seen an exponential rise in the reporting and disability associated with this epidemic. Early research has attempted to explain this phenomenon in terms of damage resulting from physical factors. We now know that the influence of psychosocial factors provides a better explanation for this trend, leading to the development of a biopsychosocial model.

The Spinal Research Group (SRG) relies on multidisciplinary expertise to target research into the varied aspects of back pain and its management. This includes collaboration with a number of reputable academic institutions. Our broad aim is to better understand the determinants of back pain, related disability and work loss. Evaluation of interventions directed to reduce the costly impact of this epidemic is the ultimate goal.

The aims of the group are:

• To better understand the epidemiology of back pain.
• To improve our understanding of the role of physical risk factors in the generation of back pain.
• To better understand the role of psychosocial factors in the transition from acute to disabling back pain.
• To evaluate interventions designed to reduce the disability and cost associated with back pain.

Visit our Subject Group

Rehabilitation Sciences