Help starts here. Real back pain. Real people. Real answers.
(Australia-wide service)
Access timely expert advice for back pain — before it becomes an emergency.
It’s comforting to know there’s somewhere you can turn for trusted information.
Help is here.
Real back pain.
Real people.
Real answers.
(Australia-wide service)
WHAT IS IT?
Qualified experts ready to take your call
The Back Pain Help Line connects you with qualified health care professionals trained in back pain care. Co-designed with consumers, clinicians and researchers.
WHY CALL?
No cost
No referral needed
- Speak to someone who takes your pain seriously
- Speak with someone who understands you and your pain
- Get support and understanding from qualified health care professionals
- Access tools and resources that can help you manage your pain
- It’s 100% FREE.
Services
We’ve got your back
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.
Call us
Email us
National Interpreter Service
If you need an interpreter, let us know when you contact the Helpline.
Or call
Translating and Interpreting Service National on
13 14 50 and ask for an interpreter.
If you’re deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment.
Contact us through the National Relay Service and give them our name and number – 1800 263 265.
testimonials
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
Can’t find your answer?
Reach out to us
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 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.
