More than 4 million Australians experience back problems at any given time, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. That’s a huge number of people living with discomfort, reduced mobility, and disruption to everyday life.
Spinal Health Week, an initiative led by the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), is all about changing that. It’s a national awareness campaign that puts a spotlight on the spine – and the simple steps we can all take to care for it. Chiropractic care is a big part of that conversation. Not just when something goes wrong, but as a proactive way to support spinal alignment, reduce tension, and maintain overall musculoskeletal health.
At HIF, we’re big believers in wellbeing and preventative care. We know that looking after your body before problems arise can save you a lot of stress – and pain – down the track. That’s why we support access to chiropractic services [KC1] and recognise their value as part of a broader, holistic approach to wellbeing. Whether it’s improving posture, managing aches, or enhancing flexibility, chiropractic care has a meaningful place in the health toolkit.
What Is Spinal Health Week and why it matters
Spinal Health Week is an annual campaign run by the Australian Chiropractors Association to raise awareness of spinal health across the country. Backed by Spinal Health Australia, it encourages people to take a closer look at how everyday habits – from the way we sit to how often we move – can affect our spine and overall wellbeing.
Each year, the campaign focuses on a different theme. For 2025, it’s all about Heads Up on Tech Neck. As more of us spend long hours looking down at phones, tablets, and laptops, posture-related issues are becoming more common. According to the ACA, this forward head position can place extra pressure on the spine, leading to discomfort, tension headaches, and even long-term musculoskeletal strain.
That’s why the campaign isn’t just a reminder, it’s a call to action. Spinal Health Week promotes real, achievable steps people can take to improve posture, reduce back pain, and prioritise movement. It also highlights how chiropractic care can support better spinal function and encourage healthier habits for life.
From sedentary desk jobs to extended screen time at home, modern routines are putting our backs under pressure. By raising awareness and offering education, Spinal Health Week helps people recognise early signs of poor spinal health – and take steps to address it before it becomes a bigger issue.
The role of chiropractic care in spinal health
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing, managing, and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. According to the Australian Chiropractors Association, it takes a whole-body approach – looking not just at where pain is felt, but what might be causing it and how it affects overall function.
Chiropractors regularly treat issues related to poor posture, neck and shoulder tension, sciatica, joint stiffness, and headaches. Many people also turn to chiropractic care for support during recovery from injuries or to manage long-standing musculoskeletal conditions.
There’s growing evidence that chiropractic treatment can improve mobility, reduce pain, and help with posture-related issues when used appropriately. A 2022 review published in BMJ Open found that spinal manipulation – one of the core techniques used by chiropractors – was associated with moderate improvements in pain and function for people with chronic low back pain. That makes it a valuable tool not just for symptom relief, but also as part of a long-term management plan.
What sets chiropractic care apart is its preventative angle. Regular visits can help detect spinal misalignments before they lead to discomfort, support better movement patterns, and encourage lifestyle habits that benefit long-term health. Whether used on its own or alongside other therapies, chiro can be an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to keeping your spine – and your whole body – in balance.
How HIF supports chiropractic care
At HIF, we know that looking after your spine isn’t just about reacting when something goes wrong – it’s about prevention, balance, and long-term support. That’s why all of our Extras cover options include benefits for chiropractic care, giving members access to services that help improve mobility, manage pain, and support better posture.
Whether you’re dealing with tension from desk work, managing ongoing back pain, or simply want to stay on top of your musculoskeletal health, chiro care can make a real difference. Through HIF Extras, eligible members can claim a portion of the cost for chiropractic visits, no matter which level of cover you choose.
You can see our comparison table of all HIF Extras options here to find the right fit for your needs. Each tier includes chiropractic treatment – but that’s not all. HIF also offers benefits [KC2] for other natural therapies, such as osteopathy and acupuncture, recognising the value of holistic health approaches that treat the whole body, not just the symptoms.
It’s part of our broader commitment to supporting members in making informed, proactive choices about their health and wellbeing.
Why choose HIF for your chiropractic needs
At HIF, we believe in health that starts with prevention, not just cure. That’s why we’ve built our Extras cover around flexibility, choice, and real support for natural therapies – including chiropractic care.
People choose HIF because we understand that wellbeing doesn’t look the same for everyone. Whether you see a chiro regularly for posture and tension, or only when something feels off, you can claim benefits on every Extras cover tier - to learn more read our product factsheet here. You also have the freedom to see any registered chiropractor recognised by HIF – no need to stick to a small provider list.
Wondering how to make a claim? The good news is it's quick and easy. With the Members App [KC3] , you can upload receipts and lodge your claims from your phone in just a few taps. Log in here or download the app to get started.
Choosing HIF means choosing a fund that values natural health, supports preventative care, and makes it easier to manage your health your way.
FAQs related to chiropractic care
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about seeking chiropractic care.
Why is chiropractic care important?
Chiropractic care supports spinal alignment, improves mobility, and can help manage pain caused by poor posture, injury, or tension. It’s often used as part of a preventative health plan to keep your musculoskeletal system functioning well. According to the Australian Chiropractors Association, regular chiropractic care can contribute to better overall wellbeing and reduce the risk of chronic back issues.
What can chiropractic care help with?
Chiropractors treat a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns including back and neck pain, posture problems, joint stiffness, sciatica, tension headaches, and some sports-related injuries.
Does Medicare cover chiropractic care in Australia?
Medicare doesn’t generally cover chiropractic care unless it's included as part of a GP-managed Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan. If you're eligible, this plan may allow a limited number of subsidised visits to a chiropractor each year. Speak with your GP to see if you qualify.
Can I claim chiropractic on private health insurance?
Yes – if you have chiropractor private health insurance through an Extras cover policy. At HIF, all Extras options include chiro benefits, so you can claim a rebate on visits to approved providers. You can explore all HIF Extras options here[KC4] .
How to get free chiropractic care
In most cases, chiropractic care is a paid service. However, some community health programs or university student clinics may offer low-cost or free treatment. You might also be eligible for limited Medicare-subsidised visits through a Chronic Disease Management Plan – check with your GP.
How does chiropractic care differ from traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine tends to focus on diagnosing and treating symptoms, often using medication or surgery. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, looks at the alignment and function of the spine and nervous system to support the body’s natural healing processes. It’s a hands-on, drug-free approach often used to complement other treatments or as part of a preventative health strategy.
Wellbeing That Has Your Back
Spinal Health Week is a timely reminder that our backs carry more than just physical weight – they carry us through life. Whether you’re feeling the strain of long hours at a desk or just want to improve your posture and mobility, chiropractic care offers a proactive, natural way to support your spine and overall wellbeing.
At HIF, we’re here to back you – literally. Our Extras cover makes it easier to access chiropractic treatment when you need it, with flexible claiming, trusted provider recognition, and cover that works for real life. If you haven’t checked your cover recently, now’s a great time to see what’s included and take full advantage of the support available.
Please note: Kirsty's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your healthcare professional