Sep. 21, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- BRISTOL, Tenn., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey from the American Pain Foundation (APF) says economic pain from the recession is contributing to acute (short-term) physical pain for Americans.(1) In response to these findings, King Pharmaceuticals(R), Inc. has launched a consumer education initiative with RealAge.com to provide tips and information on preventing and treating strains and sprains of the back and other areas.

The educational program can be found at http://www.RealAge.com/StrainsAndSprains.

According to the APF survey, 68% of 1267 people who experienced acute back pain or other minor muscle strains or sprains in the past year said that the recession played a role, in part because of greater stress and working harder at home and on the job.(1)

"More work on the job and around the house can stress our bodies and contribute to injuries like strains and sprains to the back or other areas," said Dr Michael Roizen, RealAge.com founder and chief wellness officer of Cleveland Clinic. "In many cases, prevention can be just a matter of listening to your body, knowing when to take a break, and moving your joints and muscles properly. Minor strains and sprains are common but should not be taken lightly, so it's important to see a doctor to get proper treatment and make sure it's not something more serious."

Minor strains and sprains can cause pain, swelling, and limited or loss of motion of the affected area - and the impact is significant. For example, according to a 2005 report by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, strains and sprains were reported as the leading injury or illness in every major industry, accounting for 41% of all workplace injuries or illnesses requiring days away from work.(2) Returning to normal activities before the injury is properly healed increases the chances of reinjury and can lead to a chronic problem.(3)

"Because strains and sprains are common, people can underestimate their possible long-term effects, especially if not properly treated," said Dr Bruce Thomas, Medical Director for the Ladies Professional Golf Association and Assistant Professor of Sports Medicine/Family Practice at Florida State University. "When in doubt, patients should always contact a healthcare professional for advice. Treatment for minor strains and sprains may include rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) either orally or in a topical patch, such as FLECTOR(R) Patch (diclofenac epolamine topical patch) 1.3%, which delivers an NSAID directly to the site of acute (short-term)pain."(3)

King Pharmaceuticals markets FLECTOR(R) Patch (diclofenac epolamine topical patch) 1.3%, the first and only prescription acute pain relief patch available in the United States that contains an NSAID.(4,5) The patch is used for the topical treatment of acute (short-term) pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions (bruises).(4)

About FLECTOR(R) Patch

Each FLECTOR(R) Patch contains 180 mg of diclofenac epolamine, an NSAID, the same class of drugs that includes ibuprofen and naproxen. These drugs relieve pain. FLECTOR(R) Patch releases its active ingredient locally through the skin at the site of acute pain.