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Back problems are a range of conditions related to the bones, joints, connective tissue, muscles and nerves of the back. Back problems are a significant cause of disability and lost productivity.

Information in this snapshot was last updated in September 2012.

Back problems by the numbers

1 in 11 Australians have back problems

1 in 11

Australians had back problems in 2007–08. That's 1.8 million people.

2.5 times as many affective disorders among people with back problems PNG

2.5 times

more affective disorders (such as depression) were reported among people with back problems than among those without in 2007.

2 in 5 people have back problems PNG

Over 2 in 5

people with back problems had some level of activity limitation in 2009.

25% more likely for Indigenous Australians to report back problems PNG

25%

more likely for Indigenous Australians to report having back problems than non-Indigenous Australians in 2004–05.