Did you know that 4 out of 5 Australians experience back pain at some point in their lives?1 Back pain is the leading cause of disability globally2 and can often lead to a poorer quality of life, psychological distress, and other bodily pain. If left untreated, back pain can be life-limiting.3 In 2020-21, an estimated $3.4 billion was spent on the treatment and management of back problems in Australia.4 This Spinal Health Week, the ACA is highlighting the importance of chiropractic healthcare for EveryBODY.
Understanding Back Problems
Back problems are often musculoskeletal issues characterised by complications related to the bones, discs, joints, connective tissue, muscles, and nerves of the back. These can affect various parts of the spine, including the neck (cervical spine), upper back (thoracic spine), and lower back (lumbar spine), as well as the sacrum and tailbone.5
Impact of Back Pain
Back pain is highly prevalent, with 1 in 6 Australians reporting back problems at any given time, affecting both their physical and mental health.6 For many, back pain can arise suddenly (acute back pain) and typically improves within three to six weeks. However, recurrence is common, and some may experience more persistent pain lasting beyond three months.7
Individuals experience back pain differently. While some may feel pain, stiffness, and soreness or find it hard to move in certain directions, others might report sharp pain, dull aches, or spasms. Sciatica, for instance, can cause pain to travel down one or both legs. The emotional toll can also be significant, with sufferers feeling irritable, anxious about the pain controlling their lives, or experiencing feelings of helplessness.8
Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can result from various factors, including:
- Physical strain: Heavy physical work, frequent twisting, bending, or lifting.
- Weakness: In the back and abdominal muscles.
- Poor posture: Sitting for long periods, such as in an office environment.
- Lack of physical activity: Leading to weight gain and musculoskeletal problems.
- Aging: Natural wear and tear on the spine.
- Medical conditions: Such as disc problems, arthritis, or osteoporosis.
- Stress: Emotional stress can also contribute to back pain.
Who is Most at Risk?
Certain groups are more at risk of developing back pain:
- Working Australians: Especially those in physically demanding jobs that involve lifting, bending, or standing for extended periods.
- Older Australians: Particularly those over 65, who are more likely to develop chronic low back pain.
- Inactive Australians: Those who don’t exercise regularly and spend long hours sitting, leading to poor posture and weight gain.
Medication Alone is Not Enough
While pain medications may offer temporary relief, recent studies reveal that opioids, commonly prescribed for back pain, do not effectively relieve acute low back or neck pain, and may even worsen the condition, leading to increased pain.9
How Can Chiropractic Help?
Consulting an ACA chiropractor can provide effective, drug-free, and non-surgical treatment for back pain. Chiropractic healthcare focusses on treating the underlying cause, not just the symptoms, through tailored, specialised treatment.
An ACA chiropractor will also assess postural imbalances, identify areas of weakness or strain, and may provide personalised exercise programs to improve core and trunk strength. They offer guidance on effective strategies to help prevent back pain for those most at risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
To find your local ACA chiropractor visit findachiro.org.au
References
For a quick and easy way to locate your local ACA chiropractor, visit findachiro.org.au. Take the first step towards a healthier spine today!
- Health Direct, Back Pain, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-pain
- World Health Organisation, ‘Low Back Pain’, 19 June 2023,
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain - Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions: Back Problems, 2023, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems
- Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions: Back Problems, 2023, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems
- Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions: Back Problems, 2023, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems
- Health Direct, Back Pain, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-pain
- Better Health Channel, 2019, Victoria State Government, ‘Back Pain’,
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/back-pain - Better Health Channel, 2019, Victoria State Government, ‘Back Pain’,
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/back-pain - World Health Organisation 2023, WHO Releases Guidelines On Chronic Low Back Pain,
https://www.who.int/news/item/07-12-2023-who-releases-guidelines-on-chronic-low-back-pain
