British Chiropractic Association reveals new research on men and back pain

The British Chiropractic Association’s recent report, in partnership with One Poll, explored the impacts of musculoskeletal (MSK) issues facing the UK public and found that over half of men in the UK (51%) have avoided consulting their general practitioner for issues related to back and joint pain.

As part of Men’s Health Month, BCA is empowering men around the UK to seek attention from health care professionals for their back pain and wider health issues.

The research also found that almost half (48%) of men believed the issue would resolve itself, with the second most common reason (35%) being the difficulty of securing an appointment.

This figure is notably lower than that for women, as only a third (33%) have refrained from seeing their GP, and just over a quarter (27%) believed their condition would improve on its own.

The study also found that:

• A staggering 18% of British men have stopped work due to their bone and joint pain.
• Almost two thirds (64%) of British men use exercise as a way to manage bone and joint pain.
• A whopping 62% of British men are considering turning to private health care to treat their bone and joint pain.

Speaking about the research, : “The recent findings highlight a concerning trend in British men who often disregard their bone and joint pain,” said BCA Member Marc Sanders. “During Men’s Health Month, we are encouraging this pattern to change and aiming to empower men across the UK to take control of their health care.

“It’s crucial for men to seek help from a GP or health care professional, such as a chiropractor when they face any health issues, including back and joint pain. Treating these issues early can help manage and resolve the pain and can potentially spot more serious health issues such as prostate or skin cancer.”

About the British Chiropractic Association

The BCA is the largest and longest-standing association for chiropractors in the UK and has been named ‘Best Professional Body of the Year’ at the Memcom Excellence Awards 2022 for its Repositioning Project which has played a pivotal role in changing the healthcare landscape for the better. As well as promoting international standards of education and exemplary conduct, the BCA supports chiropractors to progress and develop to fulfil their professional ambitions with honour and integrity, at every step. The BCA is raising awareness about the rigour, relevance and evidence driving the profession and the association’s ambition for chiropractic to be more closely embedded within mainstream health care.

The BCA is the home for chiropractors who provide patient-centred, evidence-based care and offer full transparency to their patients. Through the Patient Charter BCA chiropractors provide reassurance to their patients and that they will empower them to make an informed decision about their treatment.