REPORT ON RHEUMATISM

Series

Series Name

Mining Review 6th Year

Issue

Issue No.

7

Date Released

Mar 1953

Stories in this Issue:

1. 1KENSINGTON COLLIERY
2. 2COMIN’ ROUND THE MOUNTAIN
3. 3MIGHTY MARIETTA
4. 4REPORT ON RHEUMATISM

Story

Story No. within this Issue

4 / 4

Summary

BFI synopsis: research work on the causes and cure of rheumatism in miners at a miners’ clinic - Walkden Clinic, Manchester.
NCB Commentary - Mining is a tough job. However much is done to improve conditions underground the miner ofter has to work under low roofs, in cramped working places and in extremes of temperature. Its not surprising terefore that the type of rheumatism due to stresses and strains is a real problem in the pits.
With miners, rheumatism comes mainly in two sorts. One is a disorder of the spine - the other, a form of arthritis of the knee. Doctors at the Rheumatism Research Unit from the Department of Occupational Health at Manchester University are doing something about it, with the help and encouragement of the industry.
At Walkden Clinic, they’re carrying out a large scale investigation of rheumatism in miners. The doctor in charge and his colleagues study sample groups of miners working in all sorts of conditions underground.
To start with, every man gets a general medical check-up, with special attention to the condition of his bones and joints.
X Ray examination plays a big part. They photograph each man’s spine and knees, and any other affected places.
Then, each patient gives details of his past experience and present work. This isn’t just another quiz - all the information is sifted as part of the rheumatism survey.
But Walkden isn’t just a research centre. Suffering has got to be eased, and local miners speak highly of the treatment they get.
Here they’re using radio diatherapy - short wave treatment using supersonic vibrations to break up inflammation.
In the wax bath department, men gain relief by coating their limbs with molten wax.
Here’s another new technique; the traxator, which literally sucks fresh blood to the site of the complaint.
Massage is nearly always effective in easing limbs back into service.
Special forms of rheumatism need speical treatment - expensive treatment, too, sometimes - as in the use of gold injections to combat rheumatic arthritis. Sometimes complete immobility is prescribed, and the limb is put into plaster.
Later on, everyone is encouraged to help himself to regain movement and lost muscle power. There’s a gymnasium at Walkden where, although it may not look comfortable, you can find a way to exercise every joint and muscle in your body.
Already the survey and the treatments are paying off - not in money, but in reducing the toll of rheumatism in miners, so that more men, once given up as lost, can regain their useful working powers in the nation’s collieries.

Researcher Comments

BFI sources suggest that this story was researched by Somner in October 1952. Commentary recorded 2 February 1953.

Keywords

Health and medicine; Science and technology; Mining

Locations

Manchester; England

Written sources

British Film Institute Databases   Used for synopsis
Film User   Vol.8 No.87 January 1954, p32.
The National Archives COAL 32   /3 Scripts for Mining Review, 1949-1956

Credits:

Support services

Basil Somner

Production Co.

Documentary Technicians Alliance

Sponsor

National Coal Board