Mental and Financial Impact on Australians
The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) has unveiled a comprehensive report that underscores the extensive mental, physical, and financial effects of back pain on Australians. This report coincides with the commencement of National Spinal Health Month, themed ‘A healthy spine supports a healthy mind’, running from 1 to 30 June 2026.
Detailed findings from a national survey reveal that 87.1% of Australian adults suffered back pain in the last year. Chronic pain, persisting for more than three months, has increased from 30% in 2024 to 44.1% in 2026. Notably, nearly 70% of individuals with back pain reported experiencing mental health challenges linked to their condition.
Economic pressures play a crucial role. Rising costs prevent 44% of back pain sufferers from seeking professional treatment. reliance on over-the-counter pain medications has surged to 86.4%.
In a study conducted by CQUniversity and Macquarie University, integrating online psychological pain management with chiropractic care was found to improve both mental health and musculoskeletal outcomes. This method is endorsed by 90% of participants who completed the program.
ACA President Dr. Billy Chow stated, “The coexistence of back pain and mental health issues severely impacts quality of life, and chronic disorders increase financial burdens.”
Musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, result in an economic cost of $55.1 billion annually for Australia. Approximately 28.5% of working-age Australians with low back pain require time off work or are unable to work, underscoring the urgent need for integrated, non-pharmacological treatment strategies.
The ACA has launched Australia’s first clinical research study to explore the feasibility of incorporating an online, psychologically informed pain management programme into standard healthcare. This initiative aims to mitigate the dual impact of back pain on physical and mental health, as well as economic stability.
Last updated: 1 June 2026, 4:00 pm
