Originally published: The National Tribune, 31 May 2026
Back Pain Is Breaking Australians Mentally, Physically & Financially
National Spinal Health Month: A Healthy Spine Supports A Healthy Mind
TODAY, the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) launched National Spinal Health Month (1-30 June) with the theme, “A healthy spine supports a healthy mind” to minimise the occurrence of back pain and the impact chronic back pain has on the mental health of Australians of all ages.
ACA President Dr Billy Chow said, “The coexistence of back pain and mental health conditions is associated with impaired quality of life, while the increased risk of developing chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) poses a significant financial burden on sufferers particularly as the cost-of-living bites.
“While chronic back pain can lead to developing psychological and social problems, depressive symptoms can worsen back pain and increase the disability associated with the condition, which in turn can exacerbate back pain’s negative impact on the mental health of sufferers,” Dr Chow said.
Underpinning the significance of Dr McNaughton’s findings, today, the ACA also released new data from an independent national public survey by global research company Pureprofile, Back Pain In Australia: The Impact on Mental, Physical & Financial Health, demonstrating a concerning increase in back pain, the mental health consequences for sufferers and how the cost-of-living is preventing patients from seeking medical treatment.
The survey found 87.1% of Australian adult respondents (n1040) experienced back pain within the past 12 months with almost three quarters (69%) reporting it impacted their mental health, and nearly half (45.9%) reporting moderate to extreme impact.
In the past two years, chronic pain has surged 22% with the proportion of back pain sufferers with chronic pain (lasting more than three months) increasing from 30% in 2024 to 44.1% in 2026, while the rising cost of living continues to heavily impact households, driving widespread cost-cutting including for healthcare.
