CHIROPRACTORS COMMENCE SPINAL HEALTH MONTH WITH RESEARCH IN MENTAL HEALTH Promising results in clinical study integrating routine physical care with online psychological therapies

With
Dr Kim Lie Jom, Chiropractor
Chatswood, New South Wales &
Board Director
Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA)

Alex Malley, Chief Executive Officer,
Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA)

Dr Aimee Mason, Chiropractor
Sydney, New South Wales &
Chair, Eastern Regional Committee,
Australian Chiropractors Association

Dr David McNaughton PhD (Psychology),
Chiropractor
Chatswood, New South Wales &
Senior Lecturer, Central Queensland University

SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney | June 2026

A new Australian-first clinical research study has found promising results for reducing the mental health impacts of chronic musculoskeletal pain by combining online psychological therapies with routine physical care. The research, funded by the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) and conducted through CQUniversity and Macquarie University’s MindSpot programme, highlights the strong connection between chronic pain and mental wellbeing.

The findings are supported by a national survey of 1,040 Australians, which revealed that 66.4% of people experiencing back pain say it has negatively affected their mental health. The survey also found that chronic pain lasting more than three months has increased significantly, rising from 30% of Australians in 2024 to 44.1% in 2026.

Cost-of-living pressures are also affecting healthcare access, with 44% of back pain sufferers reporting they cannot afford treatment. As a result, visits to healthcare professionals have declined while reliance on over-the-counter pain medication has increased.

Back pain affects an estimated 6.1 million Australians and costs the economy approximately $55.1 billion each year. With musculoskeletal conditions projected to grow by 43% over the next two decades, the findings underscore the need for integrated approaches to physical and mental health care.

The research coincides with National Spinal Health Month in June 2026, which marks the 30th anniversary of the ACA’s spinal health campaign and promotes the theme: “A healthy spine supports a healthy mind.”

Source: Adapted from ACA Media Release (May 2026)