Back pain linked to increased death risk

Back pain in older people has been linked to an increased risk of death, according to new research.

A study of more than 4000 Danish twins aged 70 or older found those who suffered back pain had a 13 per cent chance of dying within one year.

The study, published in the European Journal of Pain, does not suggest back pain causes death but highlights the importance of addressing the "critical" health issue among older Australians, says Associate Professor Paulo Ferreira, a physiotherapy researcher from the University of Sydney.

"This is a significant finding as many people think that back pain is not life-threatening," Ass Prof Ferreira said.

"Policy makers should be aware that back pain is a serious issue - it is an indicator of people's poor health and should be screened for, particularly in the elderly," he added.

Because the study involved twins it ruled out any genetic influences and a "clear link" was found between back pain and mortality.

However the authors note that further investigation is needed and say there is no need for "panic".

"Spinal pain may be part of a pattern of poor health and poor functional ability, which increases mortality risk in the older population," said Ass Prof Ferreira.