Don’t put up with chronic back pain

FIGHTING back to health are (from the left) Joyce Weir, Margaret Barnett, Penny Hartley, Connie Schofield, Helen Procter and Colin Whitehead

Support group hailed a lifeline by sufferers

COPING with constant pain is something with which all members of Oldham Back to Back are familiar.

The support group for anyone with a chronic condition resulting in pain or immobility meets weekly, and is heralded as a lifeline for the 20 or so people who regularly attend.

Helen Procter founded the group 15 years ago, as she struggled to cope with chronic back pain, and is its chairman.

She wants to spread the message that she and her fellow-members are there to help people who are worn down by having constant pain to cope with in everyday life.

And she has thrown out an open invitation to anyone in Oldham who falls into that category to join them.

“Some people with long-term pain hardly go out of their homes, and don’t see anyone from one week to the next,” said Helen.

“Besides offering help and advice, we have a lovely social atmosphere, a laugh and a cup of tea. People don’t need to come every week — they just drop in when they feel like it.”

Grandmother Penny Hartley (67) has a number of health problems, including a severe back injury which she sustained when she was a nurse working in New Zealand.

She heard about Back to Back three years ago, and has been going ever since.

“My physiotherapist told me to try and get more exercise, so I joined because we do exercises in a chair,” she said.

“But there is much more to it than that. There is always someone to talk to who understands, and companionship from people who encourage you if you are feeling a bit low.

“If you have a bad day, you don’t have to do the exercises at all. There is no pressure — you just do what you can.”

Another member, Colin Whitehead (46), has a back injury which meant he had to give up his heavy job as a diesel fitter, and now busies himself with volunteer work.

He explained: “I can’t sit or stand for long, and I find the exercises really help.

“I also enjoy the comradeship. You know there are other people with similar problems, and you are not on your own.”

The father-of-five added: “The group has helped me turn around from total negativity to having hope. I can now see the positive things in life, and have stopped feeling sorry for myself.”

Back to Back recently moved to a new meeting place at Limehurst Tenants and Residents’ Hall, Blackthorn Road.

It has regular speakers, including pain clinicians, GPs, benefits experts, physiotherapists and the Ring and Ride service, and a weekly exercise session run by Oldham Community Leisure fitness instructor, Rachel Holloway.

For more information contact Helen on 0161-688 0801, Margaret Barnett on 01706-843859, or pop into a meeting. They are held each Tuesday, 2-4pm.