Chronic pain in farmers explored

UNIVERSITY of South Australia experts are exploring what chronic pain means to Australian farmers.

The researchers are currently seeking farmers with experience of chronic pain to participate in a study.

Rural health expert, UniSA Associate Professor Kate Gunn said the study would address a serious gap in pain management among farmers.

“Agriculture is a great industry to work in, but one of the down sides is the physical injuries which can result, which can have long-term consequences on farmers’ ability to work, and their wellbeing,” Assoc Prof Gunn said.

“Musculoskeletal disorders are very common in this group and due to the unrelenting nature of farm work, farmers often return to work without accessing best-practice treatments, and without being aware of what this means for their long-term health and wellbeing.

“We also know farmers face multiple barriers to accessing mainstream healthcare services, including health professionals’ lack of understanding of their way of life.

“This new study is all about giving farmers a voice so we can gain insight into how they perceive chronic pain, how it impacts upon their work and life and, importantly, how they would like to be assisted to manage it, in a way that fits with their preferences and lifestyles.”

Chronic pain is a common and complex condition characterised by persistent pain experienced on most days of the week and affects almost one in five Australians.

“Despite its seriousness, only a small proportion of the population receive evidence-based information and advice about how to manage this condition,” renowned neuroscientist and pain expert Professor Lorimer Moseley AO said.

“The effects of chronic pain are significant.

“It can reduce productivity, lead to increased BMI, and substantially increase the risk of numerous other conditions such as stroke, cancer, depression, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

“Rural communities are already struggling with health services. 

“By working with farmers, we are hoping to develop realistic, appropriate and end-user-informed ways to improve the care and management of chronic pain in rural communities.”

For more information, contact Assoc Prof Kate Gunn at kate.gunn@unisa.edu.au or PhD student Indika Korale­gedera at indika.koraleged era@mymail.unisa.edu.au.