According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 619 million people worldwide were affected by low back pain in 2020. By 2050, that figure is expected to reach 843 million, making back pain one of the leading causes of global disability.
That’s why raising awareness is essential – and why World Spine Day, held on 16 October each year, is a key opportunity to promote spinal health, prevention, and access to quality care. As the largest global initiative dedicated to spinal health, it draws attention to the impact of spinal pain and disability while encouraging proactive steps for lifelong health.
This year’s campaign theme, ‘Invest in Your Spine,’ calls on people everywhere to take simple, preventative steps that support spinal health. With 90% of low back pain being non-specific, meaning it cannot be confidently accounted for by another diagnosis, such as an underlying disease or tissue damage, the importance of healthy daily habits cannot be understated. For example, low physical activity, smoking, and high physical stress at work are all back pain risk factors, while staying active, sitting correctly in ergonomic workspace setups, stretching, and reducing device use can all improve spinal health and wellbeing.
One way Australians can invest in their spinal health is through the ACA’s Straighten Up initiative – a simple, three-minute daily exercise program that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. The easy-to-follow exercises are designed to improve posture, stabilise core muscle groups, boost overall health, and help prevent spinal disability. For more information on Straighten Up, visit straightenup.org.au.
Chiropractic healthcare also plays an important role in managing spinal health. Chiropractors are five-year university-educated healthcare professionals who provide an effective, drug-free, and holistic approach to managing spinal conditions. Rather than simply addressing symptoms, chiropractic healthcare focuses on the underlying causes of spinal conditions, including low back pain.
World Spine Day also highlights the global challenge of limited access to care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. For this reason, the campaign empowers communities to take charge of their own spinal health through education and self-management strategies.
Australians looking to reset their spinal health are encouraged to visit their local ACA chiropractor, for a spinal assessment and treatment, enhancing their long-term spinal health and wellbeing. To find your nearest ACA chiropractor, visit findachiro.org.au. Join the movement today! This World Spine Day, take the time to ‘Invest in Your Spine.’ For more information, resources, and ways to get involved, visit worldspineday.org.au.
