More than eight in 10 Australian women have suffered back pain in the past year, with new survey data showing the impact extends well beyond physical discomfort.
The Australian Chiropractors Association’s 2026 Spinal Health Survey found 86.7 per cent of women experienced back pain in the past 12 months.
Of those, 57.5 per cent reported mental fatigue, 54.8 per cent said it added to their mental load, and 47.6 per cent said it had a moderate to extreme impact on their mental health.
ACA Women in Chiropractic Chair Dr Ali Young said the findings showed back pain was not just a musculoskeletal issue.
“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,” she said.
The survey also found 53.7 per cent of women with back pain had never sought a formal medical diagnosis, while almost half said cost of living pressures had prevented them from seeking treatment.
