The global burden of low back pain has reached 'tipping point' and action is needed, warn researchers.

Australian experts are leading an international call to action to halt the soaring rates of low back pain, the number one cause of disability globally.

In a series of papers published in The Lancet, researchers warn the burden of low back pain is at "tipping point" and the current use of X-rays and scans, opioids, injections and surgery to investigate and treat the condition is useless, unnecessary and harmful.

It's estimated that at any one time more than 540 million people are affected by activity-limiting low back pain.

Instead of focusing on treatment and management, prevention must be a priority in order to lessen the burden of low back pain, says lead author, Professor Rachelle Buchbinder at Monash University.

"Back pain disability globally has increased by 54 per cent between 1990 and 2015 and its getting worse and its getting worse due to the ageing population as well as the increased size of the population," said Prof Buchbinder.

The rheumatologist and epidemiologist is calling for public health programs that tackle obesity and low levels of physical activity to help reduce the effects of low back pain on daily life.

She says the research shows opioids, surgery and spinal injections are expensive and don't really help a patient long term.

"The things that do help the patient, like remaining active, exercising, maintaining a normal weight, staying at work and psychological help, they're often not as well funded, particularly if you are poor," said Prof Buchbinder.

The publication of The Lancet's special edition on low back pain coincides with the launch of the Australian and NZ Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network in Melbourne.

To be launched by Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt on Thursday, the network marks the first time there has been a coordinated approach to testing therapies for issues such as arthritis and back pain.

Prof Buchbinder says this will ultimately help sufferers.

"What this will enable is that we'll be able to focus on the most important questions that patients and doctors have that will actually impact and improve care and outcomes for people."