Month: October 2026

Two axial brain MRI images. The left image shows highlighted white matter regions in yellow and red where fibre measures were linked to physical performance. The right image shows the same regions as green fibre tracts running front to back through the brain.

Back Pain, Balance and the Brain: New Clues to Fall Risk in Older Adults

Chronic low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and it becomes more common as we age. In Australia, around one in six adults report back problems. For older people, persistent back pain brings an extra and often overlooked risk: it is linked to poorer balance, a greater fear of falling, …