18/06/2026
For many Australian women, back pain is not simply a physical condition. It is adding to an already substantial mental load.
New data from the 'Back Pain In Australia 2026 Spinal Health Survey' shows that among women with back pain, 46% report a moderate, significant or extreme mental health impact. More than half (52.8%) say back pain adds to their daily mental burden, contributing to fatigue, reduced motivation, anxiety, disrupted sleep and reduced quality of life.
For women balancing work, family, caring responsibilities and everyday demands, back pain can become a compounding health issue, making an already demanding workload harder to manage. Concerningly, women are also the least likely group to have received a formal clinical diagnosis, with 53.7% yet to do so, often due to cost pressures or the difficulty of prioritising their own care.
Back pain in women should not be dismissed, normalised or managed around. Early intervention and evidence-based care can help address both the physical symptoms and the broader psychological toll of persistent pain and prevent chronic pain.
This Spinal Health Month, the Australian Chiropractors Association is encouraging women to get back to feeling good and take back pain seriously. Seek support early and access drug-free, evidence-based healthcare that considers the whole person.
If back pain is adding to your mental load, it’s time to adjust your thinking.
Consult an ACA chiro and access free resources at www.spinalhealth.org.au.
Because a healthy spine supports a healthy mind.
