Back pain clinic in Hendon

Back pain clinic at Hendon Hospital

Back pain affects millions of people across the UK, impacting their daily life, work, and activities.

At Hendon Hospital, we focus on diagnosing the root cause of your back pain and recommending personalised treatment plans to help you return to the activities you love with confidence.

"Back pain can be life-changing, and I’ve seen first-hand how it affects the daily lives of my patients. Beyond the discomfort, many are concerned about ruling out serious conditions like tumours or infections. At Hendon Hospital’s back pain clinic, we provide consultations, advanced diagnostics as needed, and personalised treatment recommendations - all in one place. I always strive to deliver fast answers and suggest effective solutions, helping patients get back to the life and activities they value most."

- Jaykar Panchmatia, Consultant Spine Surgeon in Hendon

How much does a consultation for back pain cost at Hendon Hospital’s clinic?

The cost of your back pain treatment and diagnosis will depend on the tests and treatment recommended by your consultant.

You can pay for private healthcare at our hospital through self-pay methods or private medical insurance.

At Hendon Hospital, we offer fixed-price packages that include a first consultation, treatment, and aftercare.

We also offer accessible flexible payment options, or you can use your private health insurance to pay for care.

Symptoms of back pain

Back pain is a broad term that encompasses a variety of symptoms, often affecting different areas of the spine. The most common types include:

• Neck pain
• Pain in the middle or lower back
• Sciatica (pain radiating down the leg)

In some cases, back pain may also result in:

• Numbness or weakness in one or both legs
• Pain in the hip, buttock, or thigh (known as 'referred pain')
• A spinal deformity

Some spinal symptoms can be a sign of a potentially serious underlying condition(s). These symptoms can include bowel or bladder dysfunction, severe pain that disturbs sleep, unexplained weight loss, and a fever. If you experience any of these, alongside back pain, we advise you to seek urgent medical advice with your local GP. 

Hendon Hospital’s back pain clinic is an elective clinic (planned, non-emergency medical care) and is not appropriate for these types of spinal emergencies.

Understanding the structure of your back

To fully understand why you have back pain, it is helpful to know how your spine is structured.

The spine consists of individual bones called vertebrae, stacked one on top of the other like building blocks. Between each vertebra is a disc, and surrounding the spine are muscles, tendons, and ligaments that provide stability. Small joints, known as facet joints, are located between the vertebrae and are cushioned by cartilage. These joints allow the spine to move. The spinal cord runs through the centre of the spine, enabling communication between your brain and body, and vice versa.

The spine is divided into five main sections:

• Cervical spine (neck)
• Thoracic spine (upper back)
• Lumbar spine (lower back)
• Sacrum (lower back, pelvis)
• Coccyx (tailbone)

In a healthy spine, these parts all work together harmoniously, supporting your body and protecting your spinal cord and nerves without causing pain.

However, back pain can occur when these components are not functioning properly, which is why it is helpful to consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend the most effective treatment.

What are the common reasons for back pain?

The most common causes of back pain include poor posture, muscle strain, and repetitive movements. Sitting for long periods, especially with poor posture, can put pressure on the spine, leading to discomfort.

Additionally, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, or sudden twisting movements, can cause muscle or ligament strains. Conditions such as herniated discs, arthritis, and sciatica are also frequent culprits, particularly as we age.

While most cases of back pain are not serious, it is important to be aware that, in rare instances, conditions like infections, cancer, or fractures can also be the underlying cause. 

Seeking professional diagnosis is key to identifying the root of the problem.

How to get rid of back pain

Many back problems are not caused by serious conditions and typically won’t require surgery to help relieve the pain.

Often, most cases of back pain can be effectively treated at home with postural changes or by applying heat or ice and taking pain relief such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen.

If the pain continues for more than 72 hours and isn’t improving despite self-help, then physiotherapy can relieve soft tissue injuries, muscle tension, and postural problems. 

Our physiotherapists can help you to manage your pain and can also easily refer you to a consultant if needed.

Surgery will only be considered as an option if non-surgical treatment options haven’t been successful or it is considered the most appropriate treatment choice for your condition.

What can I expect at the back pain clinic at Hendon Hospital?

We understand the frustration and limitations that back pain can bring. That's why we're excited to introduce our innovative service designed to tackle back pain head-on, providing you with a tailored approach that addresses the root causes of your discomfort.

Your journey with us will typically go as follows:

• Initial consultant spinal surgeon assessment: Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation by one of our expert spinal surgeons. They will review your medical history and perform a detailed assessment to identify the exact causes of your pain
• MRI scan with detailed report: To gain a clearer understanding of what may be troubling you, we offer an MRI scan of the relevant area of your spine as needed, along with a comprehensive report from our specialist radiologist. Whether it’s your cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral, or coccygeal region, this imaging provides valuable insights into the cause of your pain
• Follow-up by consultant spinal surgeon: Once your results are in, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss them with your consultant spinal surgeon, ask any questions, and explore the treatment options available to you

How to book back pain treatment in Hendon

Don't let back pain hold you back any longer. Your pain relief begins with personalised care based on a deep understanding of your condition and a comprehensive approach that addresses your unique needs.

To book a consultation to discuss back pain with an orthopaedic or spinal surgeon near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.