Back and neck pain, prevalent health issues affecting millions in Australia, will undergo an extensive study to assess their significant impact on health and well-being. The Australian Longitudinal Study on Back and Neck Pain, led by the University of Adelaide’s experts, in collaboration with the University of South Australia, the South Australian Chronic Pain Statewide Clinical Network, and Chronic Pain Australia, will investigate risk factors, progression, and treatment access by conducting annual online surveys involving thousands of participants.
Back and neck pain are leading global causes of disability, imposing a major burden on individuals’ lives. The study aims to comprehensively assess the number of Australians affected by these conditions and their healthcare access, ultimately improving treatment.
In 2020-21, nearly 200,000 Australians were hospitalized due to back problems, and neck pain is also widespread, affecting up to 70 percent of people worldwide at least once. Chronic back and neck pain can persist for weeks, months, or even years.
Study invites participants across Australia suffering from neck and/or back pain to contribute
The study will provide longitudinal data on back and neck pain in Australia, offering valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, government, and policymakers. It is estimated that back and neck pain cost the Australian health system $3.4 billion in 2019-20, with costs escalating due to emergency department admissions, medical imaging, and invasive interventions.
Data collected from the study will be shared with government and policymakers to optimize resource allocation and enhance patient outcomes. Longitudinal studies offer ongoing research opportunities into key factors influencing health outcomes.
The study invites participants across Australia suffering from neck and/or back pain to contribute. For more information and participation, visit the Australian Longitudinal Study on Back and Neck Pain.
This landmark research aims to improve the quality of life for millions of Australians affected by these conditions.