Have you ever wondered how we can better manage and treat the long-term impacts of neck pain and back pain? Our friends at the University of Adelaide are working to collect a massive data set to improve care and support for those living with ongoing pain. Read on to discover the extent of the issue this initiative aims to tackle – and if you’re experiencing back or neck pain, consider getting involved. It’s a great cause!
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Neck and back pain are major health issues affecting millions around the world. These chronic conditions can last for weeks, months, or even years, and their numbers are growing. Researchers estimate that by 2050, over 843 million people will suffer from low back pain, while neck pain cases could rise by 32.5%, reaching 269 million. This situation calls for immediate action.
Did you know that back pain is a leading cause of emergency department visits in Australia, accounting for nearly one-third of all admissions? In Australia, hospitals admitted nearly 200,000 people for back problems in the 2020-21 period, and neck and back pain cost our healthcare system a staggering $3.4 billion in 2019-20. Even more concerning, 42% of people struggle to afford healthcare for their back and neck pain. These eye-opening statistics highlight the urgent need for better understanding and management of these conditions.
Despite recognising how serious these issues are, we still lack long-term data on neck and back pain in Australia. To address this gap, we have launched the Australian Longitudinal Study on Back and Neck Pain (ALSBNP). The ALSBNP comprises an annual online survey that will track the experiences of thousands of participants over several years. We aim to explore the risk factors and healthcare utilisation related to neck and back pain. Our findings will be the first to report how Australians are accessing healthcare services, helping to improve care pathways leading to better outcomes for patients.
If you’re currently experiencing neck or back pain, we invite you to take part in our study! Your insights will help us better understand these conditions and improve healthcare responses. Ultimately, our findings might inform government decisions to ensure resources are allocated effectively and patient care is enhanced.
To participate in the survey, please follow this link: Pain Study
If you’re a healthcare practitioner, while this survey isn’t meant for you, we encourage you to share the survey link with any adults in Australia who have neck or back pain. Together, we can work towards better understanding and managing these common health issues!
You can view the annual reports from the study HERE. You can also choose to be a part of the ALSBNP by registering via THIS LINK, which will give you early access to preliminary data, the biannual data report, and resources to be used in your clinic or practice.
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