At Warragul Chiropractic some of our patients have been asked to participate in a new Chiropractic Study.  As an evidence based clinic we are always excited to support research and trials that can lead to increased awareness as well as more comprehensive understanding of our patients. 

What is the purpose of the study?

The BACE:C – A study is an observational study that will follow the course of your back pain over 12 months. Back pain in older people is a common and debilitating condition, and we would like to know more about the type, cost and satisfaction you have with your healthcare providers.

According to the ACORN study, 74% of chiropractors regularly see older people and 12% of chiropractic patients are older Australians. Therefore, in terms of improving patient-centred care, this study will focus on establishing evidence on whether chiropractic is safe for older Australians and in understanding the risk factors of disability in this population.

Who is taking part?

We are hoping to recruit 1,000 people aged over 55 years who have visited a chiropractor for a new episode of back pain. These people will come from all over Australia. Participants will be asked to answer questions about their back pain, their general health and the healthcare they use, several times over a 12-month period. You have been invited to take part in the study by your chiropractor because you are aged over 55 years and reported having back pain.

What will taking part in this study involve?

If you are aged over 55 years and report having back pain, you may be asked by your chiropractor to complete a survey, prior to any treatment. In this survey, you will be asked to complete questions about your back pain, your health and socio-demographics (where you live, your education for example).

You will also be asked if you would like to join a longitudinal study on BAck Complaints in the Elderly (BACE). If so, the research team will contact you to determine if you are eligible for the study. If you are eligible and you decide that you would like to take part, you will be asked to sign and date a consent form. You will then be asked to respond to SMS and answer six surveys about your back pain over a 12-month period.

Who is running the study?

Dr. Katie de Luca is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Chiropractic at Macquarie University.

For more information about the study please click on the image below: