A recent survey highlights a troubling trend among Australian women: many are not seeking medical help for back pain, despite its significant impact on their lives. There is often a stigma associated with seeking help for chronic pain, particularly among women, who may feel that their pain is not taken seriously or that they should simply ‘tough it out’. This attitude can prevent women from advocating for their health and seeking the care they need.
How many people have chronic back pain in Australia?
The survey, The impact of back pain & musculoskeletal injuries in Australia conducted by Pureprofile, reveals that a considerable number of women are enduring pain in silence, opting for over-the-counter medications instead of professional medical diagnosis and treatment. This reluctance to seek medical intervention can not only exacerbate suffering, often leading to chronic conditions and a reliance on ineffective medication, but also highlights broader societal attitudes towards how women’s pain is perceived and treated. Out of 1,006 respondents, 91.3 per cent of female participants reported experiencing a back-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) at some point in their lives. In the past 12 months alone, 82 per cent of these women dealt with low back pain. Key findings include:
- Low back pain: 82.2% of women reported low back pain, with 28% experiencing it weekly and 12% daily.
- Frequency of MSDs: Women were more likely than men to experience multiple MSDs, with 27.3% reporting 10 to 12 different disorders.
- Chronic conditions: 40% of female low back pain sufferers developed chronic conditions.
- Use of medication: 81% of all low back pain sufferers used over-the-counter or prescription medications, despite their limited effectiveness.
Dr Ali Young, a chiropractor and Chair of ACA’s Women in Chiropractic with extensive experience treating and advocating for the spinal health of women, says “Significantly, the survey showed nearly half (49.4 per cent) of all female MSD sufferers failed to seek a medical diagnosis. This issue was even more pronounced among women with low back pain (the most common MSD experienced by Australian women), with 61.1 per cent not seeking a medical diagnosis. These figures suggest official data may underrepresent the true prevalence of MSDs affecting Australian women.” This underrepresentation can lead to a lack of resources and support for women suffering from these conditions, perpetuating a cycle of untreated pain and discomfort.
Many women reported that their back pain affected their daily activities, work, and overall quality of life. Despite this, a significant number of women continue to manage their pain independently, without professional guidance. The reluctance to seek medical advice is contributing to a widespread reliance on medication, which, while effective in the short term, does not address the root cause of the pain and can lead to dependency and other health issues.
“Alarmingly, what the survey revealed was that 81 per cent of all low back pain sufferers opted to treat the symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription medications rather than seek drug-free treatment. While medication can be avoided with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, of concern, is that women reported the greatest use of pain relief medication for low back pain (82.2 per cent compared to 79.0 per cent of men) with 14 per cent taking it daily, 13 per cent frequently and 13.5 per cent said they often used medication to relieve back pain,” Dr Young explained. This finding aligns with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, which discourage the use of opioids and paracetamol for chronic primary low back pain (CPLBP) due to their ineffectiveness and potential side effects.
What is the impact of chronic back pain on daily life?
The survey reveals that 33.7 per cent of women with MSDs experienced limitations in movement and daily activities. Additionally, women reported 26 per cent more adverse effects from their MSDs compared to men, including:
- Sleep interference: 32%
- Increased irritability: 29%
- Significant pain: 26%
- Mental health issues: 15%
The implications of unresolved back pain are significant, affecting not just physical health but also mental wellbeing and overall quality of life.
Dr. Young emphasises the importance of addressing access to healthcare and encouraging women to ask for help. “It’s crucial that we educate women on the importance of seeking a medical diagnosis for their pain. Chronic back pain can lead to a range of other health issues, including decreased mobility, mental health problems and a reduced quality of life. By ignoring the problem and relying solely on medication, women are not addressing the underlying cause of their pain, which can lead to further complications,” she said.
What are the contributing factors to chronic back pain?
Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of back pain among Australian women. The survey identified the top triggers as:
- Aging: 29.2%
- Lifting/pulling/pushing: 27.9%
- Computer use at work: 19.3%
- Desk/seated work: 17.7%
- Stress: 16.6%
Occupational roles play a significant part in the prevalence of back pain. Women engaged in jobs requiring a mix of sitting and standing reported the highest incidence of MSDs (95.5 per cent), followed by those with a combination of sitting, standing, and physical activity (93.3 per cent).
Exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle are crucial in preventing back pain. Women who engaged in daily exercise reported the lowest prevalence of back pain (76 per cent), compared to 87.4 per cent of those who were only somewhat active.
The survey’s findings call for a collective effort to empower women to advocate for themselves and their health needs, which aligns with myeden’s approach to individualised, holistic care. The overreliance on ineffective medications and the significant impact on daily life and mental health underscore the need for alternative treatments.
If back pain is interfering with your day, book a consultation to discuss plant-based healthcare with a doctor.