DUBAI, 19th January, 2020 (WAM) -- Arab Health, the MENA region’s largest exhibition for healthcare and trade professionals, will address the issue of lower back pain and the burden placed on the healthcare sector and the global economy, when the event returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre and Conrad Dubai Hotel from 27th-30th January, 2020.

Dr. Nick Shamie, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, will address delegates during the Primary Care Conference at Arab Health during a presentation entitled, "Back problems: An evidence-based approach to low back pain in primary care: fracture and osteoporosis management".

According to research highlighted by Dr. Shamie, there is a significant prevalence of back pain in the UAE, with some 60 percent of residents affected by the condition.

In the UAE, Dr. Shamie highlighted the possible causes as higher BMI, lack of regular outdoor exercise and, among the older population, osteoporosis – a condition which is more prevalent in the UAE compared to other parts of the world due to people covering up from the intense sun and therefore experiencing reduced vitamin D levels.

"If a family has a history of cardiac-related problems, they tend to focus on eating healthy and exercising regularly. The same is true of back pain - if back pain is prevalent, it is important to take greater care when looking after your back," Dr. Shamie said.

During the conference, Dr. Shamie will be joined by Dr. William Murrell, Consultant, InfoHealth, Dubai, and Dr. Kirill Micallef-Stafrace, Specialist in Sports and Exercise Medicine and Vice President European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations, who will deliver lectures on 'Joint disorders: evaluation and management of joint pain in primary care' and 'The role of physical activity in the management of osteoarthritis'.

Over 450 companies will be showcasing products dedicated to orthopaedics, physiotherapy and rehabilitation at Arab Health this year.

Organised by Informa Markets, more than 4,250 exhibitors from over 64 countries and 55,000 visitors are expected to attend the 2020 edition of Arab Health.