Back pain is a big problem for Wales. There is a cost to individuals, which can include physical and mental ill health and unemployment, and there is a wider financial cost to the economy in Wales.
Welsh Backs has been designed to help individuals who suffer from back pain as well as to provide information for health professionals and employers on the best way of helping people to stay active with back pain.
Traditionally, treatment for back pain was bed rest but, health professionals now agree that the evidence shows that the best treatment is to stay active and lead as normal a life as possible.
Welsh Backs has raised awareness of the change in treatment via a multimedia campaign including TV adverts, information packs and a website, and although this information has been developed specifically for Wales, it is based on successful campaigns in Scotland and Australia. I'm sure we can replicate that success and help to reduce the burden of back pain on Wales.
Click to view the profile of Dr Sally Venn 
