Reflection 5

Burden of Disease in Australia

My chosen career pathway in Chiropractic has opened my eyes to the many domains that
encompass this profession. I am very content with the choice I have made, and the
commitments I am facing in order to successfully complete this five year course. The world
of chiropractic is not limited to cervical and thoracic manipulations, but rather a vast holistic
wellness approach that I am appreciating very much. This outlook contributes to a positive
outcome to our Australian society and plays an important role in reducing the burden on
the Australian people.

Therefore, the topic about the burden of disease in Australia is a crucial issue we face daily.
According to the 2015 report from the Australian Burden of Disease Study, when compared
to the previous 2011 report, very minimal changes have occurred. This is a grim outlook as it
demonstrates the lack of improvement. This is important to us, as future health
professionals need to understand the main causes of illness and death on Australians and
the impact this has on the population.

The 2015 report describes the system called ‘Disability-adjusted life years’ (DALY) which
measures the burden of disease and how the effects of disease or injury impact Australians.
This is a reflection of the healthy life lost by the Australian people and how this increase
with age. Hence, as chiropractors, we have the potential to impact these lives in a positive
way, particularly for musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases and chronic diseases.

A concerning observation I learnt as I researched the burden on Australians in certain age

groups. For instance, it was alarming to find that children between the ages of 5-14 were
amongst the anxiety and depressive disorders. I would have expected the older age groups
to experience these disorders.

Furthermore, the escalating rate of suicide and self-directed injuries predominantly in males
between the ages of 15-44 was extremely sad and disturbing. I often hear about this in the
media, however, once I read it in the statistics, it heightened my awareness and I felt
obliged to make a difference as a potential chiropractor.

According to the literature in the 2015 report, back pain and back problems was one of the
leading diseases causing non-fatal burden for males and females. Thus, chiropractors have
the potential to reduce these numbers and make a positive impact. These can also be
addressed by educational programs and support workshops. Holth et al (2008) states that is
important to provide exercise in association with our manipulation in order to deliver
optimum care for patients. Also, exercise therapy as rehabilitation for these issues can
provide the best outcome for patients.

To prevent these chronic diseases from developing by helping people understand the
damaging effects their lifestyle choices can have on their health. For example, the effects of
smoking tobacco and diet choices. Exercise and healthy eating should be encouraged to
reduce issues like diabetes and hypertension. Unfortunately, there has been no significant
change in the 15 diseases the cause the highest rate of burden, with the highest being
coronary disease and the second being back pain.

MSK disorders is a leading cause of disability globally and as future chiropractors, we have a
major role in attending to these MSK disorders, particularly lower back pain. Hence,
education is important to promote awareness to the population. Moreover, chiropractors
are able to reduce these burdens by alleviating pain and disabilities related to back and neck
pain.

A randomised controlled trial by Santilli et al (2006) confirms that acute back pain is a major
source of disability and that manipulation is an intervention that can assist with these
issues. MSK conditions are the primary cause of limiting adult mobility and pain, hence can
instigate a lower quality of life and limited social functioning.

Chiropractic intervention is an effective and safe alternative rather than becoming

dependent on addictive medications for temporary relief. As a chiropractic student and
future chiropractor, through education and awareness, we can contribute to supporting
diseases and prevent them from becoming chronic. I can potentially play an important role
within the health population and contribute to a positive outcome.

References

1. AIHW. (2015). Australian Burden of Disease Study 2015: Interactive data on disease
burden. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-diseases/abds-
2015-interactive-data-disease-burden/contents/

2. Santilli, V., Beghi, Ettore., & Finucci, S. (2006). Chiropractic manipulation in the
treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomised double-
blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. The Spine Journal, 6:
131-137

3. Holith, H.S., Werpen, H.K.B., Zwart, J.A., & Hagen, K. (2008). Physical inactivity is
associated with chronic musculoskeletal complaints 11 years later: results from the
Nord-Trondelag Health Study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 9: 159.