Taking place on October 16 each year, World Spine Day highlights the burden of spinal pain and disability around the world. With health professionals, exercise and rehabilitation experts, public health advocates, schoolchildren and patients all taking part, World Spine Day is celebrated on every continent.

World Spine Day highlights the importance of spinal health and well-being. Promotion of physical activity, good posture, responsible lifting, and healthy working conditions will all feature as people are encouraged to look after their spines and stay active. An estimated one billion people worldwide suffer with spinal pain. It affects people across the life course and is the biggest single cause of disability on the planet. Effective management and prevention is therefore key. Populations in under-served parts of the world often have no access to conventional healthcare resources to care for spinal pain and disability. Dedicated spinal health professionals do not exist in many parts of the world, so helping people to self-manage their conditions is important. Even in high-income countries, back pain afflicts many millions of people, resulting in an enormous impact on industry and the economy.

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History of World Spine Day

Since 2008, the World Federation of Chiropractic has been coordinating World Spine Day in collaboration with a variety of intra-professional organizations around the world.  This October 16, 2024 will mark the sixteenth official World Spine Day. We’re calling on people and organizations around the world to join together to raise awareness around the prevention and effective management of spinal conditions.

World Spine Day has become a focus for raising awareness of back pain and other spinal issues. With an estimated one billion people worldwide suffering from back pain, spinal pain and disability affects all age groups, from children to the elderly. It is the biggest single cause of years lived with disability on the planet, with one in four adults estimated to suffer from back pain during their lives. Populations in under-served parts of the world often have no access to conventional healthcare resources to care for spinal pain and disability. With many relying on traditional healers, even those who are seen in hospitals have limited access to evidence-based resources. Dedicated spinal health professionals do not exist in many parts of the world, so education and self-help is key. Even in high-income countries, back pain afflicts many millions of people, resulting in an enormous impact on industry and the economy.

The Aims of World Spine Day

1. Increase Public Awareness and Education on Spinal Health
   • Educate the public on how to support spinal health through lifestyle choices and preventive measures
   • Dispel myths and misconceptions about spinal health and related conditions.
2. Encourage Active Participation in Spinal Health Activities
   • Motivate individuals and communities to engage in activities that promote spinal health.
3. Promote Collaboration Among Health Professionals and Organizations
   • Foster interdisciplinary cooperation to enhance the delivery of spinal health education and services.
4. Advocate for Policies and Programs Supporting Spinal Health
   • Influence policymakers to prioritize spinal health in public health agendas.