Back problems and associated comorbidities

Three million Australians suffer from back problems, and two in five of those people report that it limits their activity. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a report highlighting the various chronic diseases that people with back problems frequently experience.  Back problems, associated comorbidities and risk factors includes the conditions of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, mental health problems, asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer.  It also looks at the risk factors of smoking, physical activity, and overweight and obesity. 

The report found that 2 out of 3 Australians with back problems reported having at least one other chronic condition, with arthritis being the most common comorbidity, followed by cardiovascular disease and mental health problems.  People with back problems were more likely to report being obese (32.6%) than people without back problems (26.6%).