Mental Health Burden and Financial Barriers
A recent survey by the Australian Chiropractors Association shows that 86.7 per cent of Australian women experienced back pain in the past year. Nearly half reported financial barriers as a reason for not seeking treatment.
The survey, which included 1,040 Australian adults, found that 47.6 per cent of women with back pain faced moderate-to-extreme mental health impacts. This rate was higher than that of men, recorded at 44.2 per cent. Among women aged 25 to 30, the disparity in mental health issues was even more pronounced, with 63.5 per cent reporting significant impacts.
Dr Ali Young, ACA Women In Chiropractic Chair, remarked, “The survey data is unambiguous with women suffering from back pain reporting higher rates of mental exhaustion, sleep disruption, depression, and mental load compared to men.”
Financial Barriers to Treatment
Financial constraints have prevented 49.7 per cent of women from seeking treatment for back pain, while 53.7 per cent have never sought a formal medical diagnosis due to these barriers.
Women are more likely than men to cite caregiving, housework, and pregnancy as contributing factors to their back pain. In the age group 41 to 50, 46.5 per cent of women reported chronic pain, higher than men of the same age.
The survey underscores that chronic back pain extends beyond physical issues, affecting mental health and impacting 9.7 million Australian households. It is projected to cost the Australian economy $638 billion in lost productivity over the next decade.
Musculoskeletal disorders are currently costing Australia $55.1 billion annually in direct health costs, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions.
During National Spinal Health Month, the ACA encourages women to prioritise spinal health by accessing free resources and seeking evidence-based, drug-free healthcare to prevent chronic conditions.
The gender gap in mental health impact is widest among those aged 25–30, with an 18.8 percentage point difference between women and men. This significant gap underscores the necessity for targeted mental health support.
