MEN'S BACK PAIN TAKING A MAJOR TOLL ON MENTAL HEALTH, NEW SURVEY FINDS

Men's back pain may be creating a much bigger health crisis than many Australians realise.

Back pain is affecting almost nine in 10 Australian men, with new research revealing a growing impact on mental health, workplace productivity and long-term wellbeing.

Back pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of getting older, of sitting at a desk all day, or of working in a physically demanding job.

But new research suggests men's back pain may be creating a much bigger health crisis than many Australians realise.

According to new data released by the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), almost 88 per cent of Australian men experienced back pain in the past 12 months, with many reporting significant impacts on both their mental health and ability to work.

The findings, released ahead of National Men's Health Week, come from the 2026 Spinal Health Survey of more than 1,000 Australian adults and paint a concerning picture of the burden back pain is placing on working-age men.

Men's back pain linked to worsening mental health

The survey found men aged 31 to 40 experienced the highest mental health impact from back pain, with 57 per cent reporting moderate-to-extreme effects on their wellbeing.

ACA President Dr Billy Chow said the relationship between chronic pain and mental health is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

"With the coexistence of back pain and mental health conditions associated with impaired quality of life,

The rising high level of back pain burden carried by Australian men can increase the risk of developing chronic back pain conditions, impacting men's mental health while increasing the financial burden on sufferers and the economy," he said.

Research has consistently linked chronic pain with increased rates of anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life.

Experts warn that when pain affects sleep, mobility, work and social activities, the psychological impact can become just as debilitating as the physical symptoms themselves.

Back pain often goes untreated

Despite the high number of men reporting back pain, the survey suggests many are reluctant to seek professional help.

Almost half of male respondents said they had experienced back pain without ever receiving a formal medical diagnosis.

The report also found men's GP consultation rates fell by 21.9 per cent between 2024 and 2026, a decline three times greater than that recorded among women.

Dr Chow said many men continue to self-manage symptoms rather than seek advice.

"Of concern is that despite the large number of men experiencing back pain, men are less likely to seek professional care, are more likely to self-manage with over-the-counter medications and are significantly less likely to discuss the mental health consequences," he said.

Health experts say delaying treatment can allow minor issues to develop into chronic conditions that become more difficult to manage over time.

Hurts workplace productivity

The survey also highlighted the significant impact of back pain on Australian workplaces.

More than 92 per cent of employed Australians reported experiencing back pain, while one in five said it had affected their productivity at work.

Among working-age Australians who reported low back pain, almost 29 per cent said they had needed time off work or were no longer able to work because of their condition.

Construction and trades workers reported some of the highest levels of chronic pain and mental health impacts, but office workers were far from immune.

With most Australians now spending long hours at desks, respondents identified desk work, computer use, and poor workplace ergonomics as among the most common contributors to back pain.

The findings suggest that back pain is no longer just a problem for physically demanding industries but one affecting workers across almost every profession.

Back pain carries a growing economic cost

Musculoskeletal disorders already affect more than six million Australians, with the majority of sufferers in their peak working years.

According to Deloitte modelling cited by the ACA, these conditions cost the Australian economy an estimated $55.1 billion each year through healthcare expenses, lost productivity and reduced quality of life.

The outlook could worsen further.

Research from Monash University has projected that by 2033, around 3.2 million working-age Australians could be living with chronic back pain if greater action is not taken to address the issue.

Dr Chow said prevention should be treated as a workplace health and safety priority across all industries.

"Preventing back pain should be treated as a workplace health and safety priority by every industry,

including those that fall into the low-risk industries, to minimise the consequences of untreated back pain on workers' physical and mental health," he said.

As National Spinal Health Month continues, health experts are encouraging Australians to pay greater attention to their spinal health, remain active and seek appropriate care when symptoms arise.

For many men, that first step could help prevent a temporary ache from becoming a long-term physical and mental health burden.