National Arthritis and Back Pain+ Help Line

Call our nurse on 1800 263 265 Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm (excluding public holidays) or email helpline@msk.org.au


If you’re experiencing a medical emergency call 000 or go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital.

It can sometimes be overwhelming if you’ve been diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition, like arthritis or back pain – whether your diagnosis is recent, or you’ve had it for years.

That’s why we’re here to help. If you have questions about dealing with pain, your condition, treatment options or accessing services, you can call the nurse on our national Help Line for free.

Our nurse is ready to help you with:

  • Understanding your condition
  • Managing your condition
  • How to get a diagnosis
  • Medication and treatment options
  • Pain management
  • Issues with work
  • Accessing services like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), My Aged Care and Chronic Disease Management
  • Self-care (diet, exercise, complementary therapies)
  • Surgery
  • Latest research
  • Services available – or just to have a friendly chat.

What happens when you get in touch?

When you contact us, you will receive support that is tailored to your needs.

We will listen and give you balanced information and personal support. If appropriate, we will send you information for you to read in your own time.

You can contact us again if you have more questions at any time. But remember, we can only give general advice and can’t give direct medical advice for your situation.




The Help Line is also available to health professionals providing care for people with musculoskeletal conditions.

To speak with one of our nurses, call 1800 263 265 or email helpline@msk.org.au. They’re here to provide you with the information and support you need.

“I called the Help Line and one of their wonderful nurses listened to my fears and was able to give me the information I needed. It was so reassuring to be able to speak to someone who understood what I was going through.”

National Interpreter Service

If you need an interpreter, let us know when you contact the Help Line. Or call Translating and Interpreting Service National on 13 14 50 and ask for an interpreter.

If you’re deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment

Contact us through the National Relay Service and give them our name and number – 1800 263 265.

Please help us raise awareness of our help line by downloading and displaying our Help Line Poster




Musculoskeletal Australia (or MSK) is the consumer organisation working with, and advocating on behalf of, people with arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, gout and over 150 other musculoskeletal conditions.

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