Relief Arrives for NZ Back Pain Sufferers

Click to enlarge

MEDIA RELEASE
7 May 2007

Relief Arrives for NZ Back Pain Sufferers

International research studies have shown approximately 70% of people will develop back pain within the next year, and 80% will develop back pain within their lifetime.

More astonishing is that research also shows one year following the onslaught of back pain, approximately 75% of sufferers still have pain and will not have recovered full function. [NOTE: see footnote for sources]

The good news, according to New Zealand physiotherapist, John Davis-Havill, is that he’s developed and tested a revolutionary solution - the Spineangel – which is a world-first invention that can help sufferers manage their back pain to speed recovery.

“The Spineangel looks like a pedometer. It has no wires or electrodes and is not attached directly to the body. You simply clip it to your belt and it monitors your twisting and bending movements, which are the most common causes of back pain. The idea came from years of observation as a practicing physiotherapist.

“We’ve miniaturised advanced sensor technology inside the device, which detects when, and for how long, you are in a position that can aggravate back pain. When you are in a poor position for too long, it gives you a friendly beep to remind you to correct your stance or posture.”

“The device is easy to use, even though the technology is advanced and based on the latest clinical research. The measurement and beep reminds the wearer to correct their position; a person’s behaviour changes very quickly and back pain is remedied.

“The Spineangel is all about learning better posture. Studies worldwide have shown back pain sufferers can not easily correct poor posture - often the damage is done before any pain is felt.

“So, corrective improvement is difficult without help. Spineangel is the first device in the world that can help people recover from back pain - and can even help avoid future back pain,”explains John.

John explains, in addition to checking posture, the Spineangel also reminds the wearer to perform exercises recommended by their physiotherapist. Although wearers most often report immediate relief, people will see sustainable results after using the device for about ten days.

Back pain sufferers obtain a Spineangel from a physiotherapy clinic. In addition to the patented Spineangel devices, clinics also have a software system they can use to monitor patients’ daily movements.

While the back pain patient is away from the clinic, information is recorded by the Spineangel device. On the next visit to the clinic, the information is downloaded into the physiotherapist’s software system, which analyses and reports patient activity. Settings on the Spineangel device can then be set to individual patient needs based on their behaviours and recovery progress.

John had the inspiration for the Spineangel in 2002, while working in his physiotherapy clinic in the Waikato. He has since sold his three clinics and is now working full-time on developing and launching Spineangel from his offices at the Waikato Innovation Park in Hamilton.

John says the worldwide market for Spineangel is potentially significant; however he is committed to getting the product out to New Zealand back sufferers first before launching overseas.

“Not only do eighty percent of people get back pain at some point in their lives, but the cost of treating that back pain is significant. Particularly in larger, richer countries, the cost of back pain is staggering. In the United States, for example, two hundred billion dollars is spent each year on back pain.

“The numbers show back pain is a huge problem for the Western world and we believe the international market for Spineangel is big. However, we plan to consolidate New Zealand distribution prior to looking offshore,” explains John.

John and his business partners have invested over $1 million in research and development of the Spineangel. Support funding has also been provided by the Foundation for Research Science and Technology.

The Spineangel device is manufactured in New Zealand, using technology and parts developed in Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland

The Spineangel has been used clinically at the University of Otago Physiotherapy Clinic. Further clinical research studies intended to refine the understanding of the device are planned in New Zealand and overseas within the next year.

ENDS

Sources of research quoted in paragraph one:

Approximately 70 % of people will develop back pain within the next year, and 80% within their lifetime.

* Huppe A,Muller K, Raspe H. Is the occurrence of back pain in Germany decreasing? Two regional postal surveys a decade apart. European Journal of Public Health 2006 Sep 23.

* Walker BF, Muller R, Grant WD. Low back pain in Australian adults: prevalence and associated disability. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2004 May;27(4):238-44

One year following the onslaught of back pain, approximately 75% of sufferers will not have recovered full function and have continuing back pain.

* Croft P R, Macfarlane G J, Papageorgiou A C, et al. Outcome of low back pain in General practice: a prospective study. BMJ 316:1356-1359, (1998).

www.spineangel.com

© Scoop Media