Two of our researchers have just returned from Switzerland, where they represented UCRH at one of the world’s leading forums on back and neck pain.
Held in the scenic town of Davos, the International Back and Neck Pain Research Forum brought together experts from across the globe to share ideas and research aimed at improving musculoskeletal health. Hosted by the University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, this year’s theme was Fostering Musculoskeletal Health Impact—a perfect fit for the work we’re doing here in rural Australia.
Associate Professor Chris Williams, who leads our research cluster focused on management of musculoskeletal conditions, pain education, and chronic disease lifestyle risk factors presented on how digital health and artificial intelligence can support people with spinal pain. Researcher Eduardo da Silva Alves (pictured) presented a poster outlining the team’s research on how resistance training can help treat low back pain. Both presentations sparked great conversations and highlighted the innovative work happening at UCRH.
Chris and his team recently launched a major four-year study across four regional hospitals: Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, and Lismore. The project will test two ways of delivering care for people with long-term musculoskeletal conditions: one through phone and online support, and the other through in-person treatment. It’s all about finding what works best for rural communities, and you can read more about this project here.
We’re proud to see our team sharing their knowledge internationally and bringing fresh ideas back home. It’s a fantastic example of how we can combine academic endeavour with real-world impact, working alongside communities to improve health outcomes across rural and regional Australia.
