article archive
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.