Low back pain in Australian adults: The economic burden

B.F. Walker; R. Muller; W.D. Grant

doi:10.1177/101053950301500202

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Journal article

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Low back pain in Australian adults: The economic burden

B.F. Walker, R. Muller and W.D. Grant

Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health, Vol.15(2), pp.79-87

2003

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/101053950301500202

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Abstract

This paper reports the results of a "cost-of-illness" study of low back pain (LBP) in Australian adults. It estimates the direct cost of LBP in 2001 to be AU$1.02 billion. Approximately 71% of this amount is for treatment by chiropractors, general practitioners, massage therapists, physiotherapists and acupuncturists. However, the direct costs are minor compared to the indirect costs of AU$8.15 billion giving a total cost of AU$9.17 billion. LBP in Australian adults represents a massive health problem with a significant economic burden. This burden is so great that it has compelling and urgent ramifications for health policy, planning and research. This study identifies that research should concentrate on both direct but particularly the indirect costs including cost-effective management regimes that encourage an early return to duties.

Details

Title: Low back pain in Australian adults: The economic burden
Authors/Creators: B.F. Walker (Author/Creator) - Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine
R. Muller (Author/Creator) - James Cook University
W.D. Grant (Author/Creator) - State University of New York
Publication Details: Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health, Vol.15(2), pp.79-87
Publisher: Sage
Identifiers: 991005543246507891
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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