Best Practice Care in Compensated Australian Workers with Low Back Pain

Income support systems such as workers’ compensation can fund healthcare for workers disabled by low back pain. These systems may influence the quality of healthcare provided to workers with low back pain and their functional capacity. The risk of a workers’ compensation claim for low back pain in Australia is higher than a claim for limb fracture. Large portions of compensated Australian workers with low back pain receive diagnostic spinal imaging and opioids despite recommendations cautioning their use. Use of these services is associated with longer durations of work disability.