CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Back pain
Occurs in the vast majority of people at some point in their life and in the over whelming majority of cases has no long term consequences.
Neck pain
Almost as common as back pain, occurring in the vast majority of people at some point in their life and in the over whelming majority of cases has no long term consequences.
Urgent spinal conditions
Certain spinal conditions require urgent treatment, if necessary via the Accident and Emergency department. The type of symptoms that could indicate that you need urgent consultation include:
Spinal conditions of any kind can be difficult to diagnose, if in doubt consult your G.P.
- Unrelenting severe pain which will not settle with rest including night pain
- Altered bowel and bladder function
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Pain and numbness down both legs
- Numbness between the legs
- Back pain for the first time when under the age of 16 or over the age of 70
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of sexual function
- Back or neck pain associated with history of cancer, weight loss or loss of appetite.
Spinal conditions of any kind can be difficult to diagnose, if in doubt consult your G.P.
Leg pain coming from the back
Medically termed as sciatica and most commonly due to a nerve being trapped by a narrowing of the spinal canal.
Sciatica (leg pain coming from the back)
Caused by a nerve being trapped in the back (lumbar spine), most commonly due to a narrowing of the spinal canal.
Radiculitis (limb pain coming from the spine)
Irritation of a nerve root as it leaves the spine resulting in pain to where the nerve goes, most commonly the legs or arms.
Arm pain coming from the neck
Same mechanism as sciatica, the nerve being trapped as it leaves the neck (cervical spine)
Brachalgia
Same mechanism as sciatica, the nerve being trapped as it leaves the neck (cervical spine)
Tumours of the Spine
Always has to be considered in unusual (atypical) back and neck pain. See urgent spinal conditions.
Infections of the Spine
Always has to be considered in unusual (atypical) back and neck pain. See urgent spinal conditions.
Fractures (breaks) of the Spine
Always has to be considered in unusual (atypical) back and neck pain. See urgent spinal conditions.
Osteoporosis of the Spine
Thin bones. Does not actually cause pain but leads to an increased chance of a break to the spine
Slipped (prolapsed, herniated, bulging) Disc
The disc of gristle that is found between each block of bone (vertebra) that makes up your spine. Sometimes the disc can be large enough to trap a spinal nerve, leading to pain in the area the nerve is going to (leg or arm).
Degenerative Disc Disease
Wear and tear of the spine that causes the vast majority of back and neck pain
Discitis
Irritation (inflammation) of the disc (the disc of gristle that is found between each block of bone that makes up your spine). It can be due to infection.
Spondylolisthesis
Slip of the spine. One block of bone that makes up your spine (vertebra) can lose its normal orientation to its neighbouring block. Most commonly due to a bony deficiency or excessive wear. Often seen in the young and old and does not necessarily require treatment.
Spondylitis
Inflammation of the spine. Usually applied to the inflammation that can be associated with wear and tear of the spine
Spondylosis
Wear and tear of the spine. Often called degeneration of the spine and commonly simply age related changes
Pars Fracture/defect (Spondylolysis)
This is a bony deficiency in the back of the spine that can sometimes lead to a spondylolisthesis. Can occur with or without injury. Can lead to pain particularly in young fit sports people.
Mechanical Back Pain
Non specific back pain usually attributable to the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) of the spine after excluding any serious underlying cause.
Whiplash (neck sprain)
Non specific neck pain as result of injuries to the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) around the neck and shoulders
Scoliosis (spinal curve)
Abnormal curvature of the spine that can occur in young and old people which can vary markedly in severity often with no underlying serious cause
Scheuermann's disease
Unusual development of the discs and vertebra which can sometimes result in an increase in the forward curve of the spine.
Degeneration of the Spine
Simply a term for the normal wear and tear of the structures of the spine which in some people can be a cause for pain
Spinal Stenosis
A common condition that develops in older people as a result of progressive wear and tear in the spine causing narrowing of the spinal canal.