Back pain and problems

Back problems describe conditions relating to the bones, joints, connective tissue, muscles and nerves of the back, which can affect the neck, upper back, lower back, sacrament tailbone

• The main symptom relating to back problems is pain.
• Of those with back pain, 14% have constant pain and 86% experience pain at least one day a week.
• Around 1 in 6 people have back pain.
• About 20% of people with acute back pain will go on to develop chronic pain, with persistent symptoms starting around 1 year.

The direct cost of care for back problems and pain in Australia is about 1 billion dollars annually. Most of this cost is spent on treatment from chiropractors, general practitioners, massage therapists, physiotherapists and acupuncturists. Other costs associated with back problems include diagnostic evaluations, such as x-ray, computer tomography (CT) and MRI scans. 

Back pain is associated with significant workplace absenteeism. 

Around 77% of people who experience back pain are of working age (15 to 64 years) all those with a disability due to back problems, 44% are permanently unable to work.