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Access timely expert advice for back pain — before it becomes an emergency.
Got back pain?
Help is here.
Real professionals.
Real answers.
No referral
You don't need a GP
referral to call.
Australia wide
The service is available to people across Australia.
The Back Pain Helpline is an initiative of
Musculoskeletal Health Australia
developed in partnership with the University of Sydney, and based on Australian Clinical Care Standards for back pain.
A trusted public service
Australia wide
The service is available to people across Australia.
Australia-wide
Free
There is no cost to call
or to use the service
Qualified experts
Speak directly with experts
trained in back pain.
No referral
You don't need a
GP referral to call.
Australia-wide
The service is available to
people across Australia.
Why people call?
You don't have to figure out back pain on your own.
- Your back pain keeps coming back
- You're not sure why it isn't getting better
- You've tried different treatments and don't know what to do
- You're confused by different advice
- Pain is getting in the way of work, sleep, exercise or everyday life
- You simply want to talk to someone who understands back pain.
You don't need to know exactly what to ask. That's what the conversation is for.
1800 263 265
Call for free
No referral needed.
Australia-wide
- Your back pain keeps coming back
- You're not sure why it isn't getting better
- You've tried different treatments and don't know what to do
- You're confused by different advice
- Pain is getting in the way of work, sleep, exercise or everyday life
- You simply want to talk to someone who understands back pain.
2. Tell us what's been happening
Talk about your pain, what you've tried and now its affecting your everyday life.
2. Tell us what's been happening
Talk about your pain, what you've tried and now its affecting your everyday life.
What happens when you call?
1. You are connected with a health care professional
Our registered practitioners are there to answer your call.
2. Tell us what's been happening
Talk about your pain, what you've tried and how it's affecting your everyday life.
3. We'll listen and help you make sense of it
We understand back pain and take your concerns seriously.
4. Talk through your options
Get practical information, resources and guidance to help you understand what you can do next.
1800 263 265
Call for free
No referral needed.
Australia-wide
This is entirely up to you. The aim is to help you feel heard, informed and clearer about your next step.
"It was so reassuring to be able to speak to someone who understood what I was going through.”
Speak to a health care professional
for free
Back pain can be frustrating, confusing and isolating. Sometimes the first step is simply having someone listen and help you understand your options.
1800 263 265
Services
Prefer to communicate in writing? Email us and we'll get back to you.
Landing page form
Thank you for contacting the Back Pain Helpline.
We have received your message, and one of our Helpline Consultants will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Not ready to call? Email us instead
Email us instead
Prefer to communicate in writing? Email us and we'll get back to you.
Deaf or have a speech impairment?
You can contact us through the National Relay Service. Ask the NRS to connect you with the Back Pain Helpline on 1800 263 265.
Need an interpreter?
Let us know when you call the Helpline. Or call Translating and Interpreting Service National on 13 14 50 and ask for an interpreter.
What others are saying
Musculoskeletal Health Australia has been supporting people with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions for over 50 years.
5 stars
After months of living with back pain, I finally decided to call. It was such a positive experience. I wasn’t rushed or judged, and the advice I received helped me understand what I could do next. It was so reassuring to be able to speak to someone who understood what I was going through.”
Sarah, 48
Yamba, NSW
I wasn’t sure if my back pain was something I should be worried about, and I didn’t know where to start. The nurse took the time to listen, asked thoughtful questions, and explained my options in a way that was easy to understand. I finished the call feeling reassured and much more confident about managing my back pain.
Michael, 71
Coffs Harbour, NSW
Frequently asked questions
What is the Back Pain Helpline?
The Back Pain Helpline is a free telephone and email service that connects people experiencing back pain with a registered health care professional. The service provides trusted information, answers your questions, helps you understand your symptoms, and guides you towards the most appropriate healthcare services for your needs.
Why was the Back Pain Helpline created?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons Australians seek healthcare, yet many people are unsure what they should do and how to get help. Some people wait too long before seeking care, while others visit emergency departments when another healthcare service may be more appropriate.
The Back Pain Helpline was established to help people access the right, high-value, effective care sooner. By providing early advice and guidance, the service aims to improve triage, reduce confusion, and help people navigate the healthcare system more quickly and effectively.
Who answers the calls?
Every call is answered by a registered nurse with experience in assessing health concerns and providing evidence-based advice. They will listen to your concerns, ask questions about your symptoms, and help you understand the most appropriate next steps.
Is the service free?
Yes. The Back Pain Helpline is completely free to use.
When is the helpline available?
The helpline is available:
Monday to Friday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
How do I contact the Back Pain Helpline?
You can contact us by:
Phone: 1800 263 265
Email: helpline@muscha.org
If you contact us outside business hours, please leave a message or send us an email and we’ll respond as soon as possible during operating hours.
Who can use the helpline?
The helpline is available to anyone experiencing back pain or anyone supporting someone with back pain, including family members and carers.
What can a health care professional help me with?
Our trained health care professionals can:
- Answer questions about back pain
- Help you understand your symptoms
- Discuss ways to manage back pain
- Explain when you should seek medical attention
- Help you find the most appropriate healthcare professional or service
- Provide trusted, evidence-based information
Can you diagnose my back pain?
No. The Back Pain Helpline does not provide medical diagnoses.
Our team of health care professionals can assess your concerns, provide advice based on your symptoms, and recommend the most appropriate healthcare service for further assessment if needed.
Is this an emergency service?
No.
If you have severe pain following a serious accident, lose control of your bladder or bowel, experience numbness around your groin or buttocks, develop sudden weakness in your legs, or believe you have a medical emergency, call 000 immediately or attend your nearest emergency department.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes. Your privacy is important to us. Any personal information you provide is handled in accordance with Australian privacy legislation and is only used to provide you with the support and advice you need.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can call or email the Back Pain Helpline directly.
What happens after I call?
After discussing your symptoms and concerns, the helpline consultant will explain the most appropriate next steps. Depending on your situation, this may include self-management advice, visiting your GP, seeing another healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist, or seeking more urgent medical care.
The goal is to support you to access the right care, at the right time, through the right part of the healthcare system.
Can I email instead of calling?
Yes. If your enquiry is not urgent, you can email us and one of our registered nurses will respond during business hours.
For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, call 000, or attend your nearest emergency department if appropriate.
Why should I call the Back Pain Helpline?
Many people are unsure where to begin when back pain develops. A single phone call can provide reassurance, trusted information, and guidance on what to do next.
Our aim is to help Australians access appropriate care sooner, reduce unnecessary delays, and support better health outcomes through early advice and effective navigation of the healthcare system.
Can’t find your answer?
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