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)
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New clinical research entity first to operate across both Australia and New Zealand
Over the past 30 years, 18,000 clinical trials that have been registered in Australia, with the sector contributing $1.4 billion to Australia’s economy annually. Trials are a critical aspect of evidence-based medicine, and are essential for testing how new treatments, tests and vaccines will work. In New Zealand they contribute $146 million to the New Zealand economy.
To capitalise on this unique position and growth, a coordinated multi-site clinical research operation was missing, until now.
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Role of the Chief Nursing Officer
Professor Alison McMillan PSM spoke with Australian Health Journal about the role of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
Alison was appointed as our Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer in November 2019.
In June 2021 Alison was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to driving the Government’s national health response priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly to infection prevention measures.
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Challenge advances health technologies and medical devices in the MedTech sector
In July IDE Group launched the 2027 Building Better Futures for Health (BBFH) Challenge, a program supporting early-stage MedTech innovators move from concept to commercialisation. Delivered with Medical Technology Association of Australia’s (MTAA) MedTech Compass, the 2027 program marks 10 years of impact.
Now in its 11th year, BBFH supports researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures tackling urgent healthcare needs. Selected teams will pitch to industry experts, gaining feedback to strengthen commercial potential.
