Back Pain Clinic

Your back is made up of a number of different structures that all work together. Your spine plays vital role in protecting your spinal cord and supporting your head, shoulders and upper body.

The bones of the spine are called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of one another like building blocks. The vertebrae are separated by discs, and surrounded by supportive muscles, tendons and ligaments. Small joints called facet joints which are cushioned by cartilage can also be found between the back of the vertebrae. These facet joints help the spine move.

The spinal cord travels through the centre of your spine from your brainstem to your lower back, carrying nerve signals from your brain to your body and vice versa.

There are five main areas of the spine:

• Cervical (neck)
• Thoracic (upper back)
• Lumbar (lower back)
• Sacral (the back of the pelvis)
• Coccygeal (the ‘tailbone’)

Back pain may be caused by any one of these different components, which is why it is important to see a specialist to diagnose the cause of your pain.

• Trauma (e.g. a sports injury or road traffic accident)
• Increasing activity levels within a short timeframe, without giving the body time to adapt to the new demands placed upon it
• Lifting a heavy weight (this may be in the gym, but is also a common problem when people start spending more time in their garden and de-weeding, digging or lifting heavy pots or bags of compost)

As we age, the lumbar discs will often degenerate. If this leads to nerves becoming trapped, it may cause pain in the back.

Problems in the facet joints (small joints connecting the bones in the spine) may cause pain, as can problems with the sacroiliac iliac (SI) joints (these link the pelvis to the lower spine).

In some cases, the cause of back pain may not be known. It isn’t always possible to identify the cause of back pain. If you’ve had your back pain investigated and there is still no identifiable physical cause, it is called non-specific back pain. This is very common.

One of the main problems of back pain is that it is constant, with no ‘on’ or ‘off’ switch. Long-term back pain, even if still relatively mild, can have an impact on both physical and mental health.

• Neck pain
• Middle or lower back pain
• Sciatica (pain radiating down the leg)
• Some types of back pain may result in:
• Numbness or weakness in one or both legs
• Pain in the hip, buttock or thigh (this is known as ‘referred pain’)
• A spinal deformity

Pain itself can also mean different things to different people, and the way they describe their pain will often help a consultant to narrow down the list of potential causes. People may describe their back pain as:

• Sharp and severe, or dull/aching
• Constant or intermittent
• In one area only, or spread over a wider, less specific area

Back pain may occur without warning or develop slowly over time. Sometimes, certain activities, movements or exercises will trigger the pain and cause a flare-up.

If you have any type of back pain, it is important not to dismiss it, especially if it lasts for longer than six weeks. If you are concerned about your back pain, it is sensible to see a doctor for assessment.

What to Expect

Consultant Spinal Surgeon Assessment (30 min). Begin your journey with a thorough evaluation by our expert Spinal Surgeon. They will delve into your medical history and perform a detailed assessment to pinpoint the exact issues causing your pain. We'll also decipher any imaging you've had, clarifying how it connects to your pain experience.

Physiotherapy Specialist Assessment (45 min): Our experienced Physiotherapy specialist will take the time to understand your unique situation. During this 45-minute session, you'll gain insights into how your back pain relates to your daily life. 

MRI Scan with Detailed Report: For a comprehensive understanding, we offer a MRI scan of one or two parts of your spine, along with a detailed report. Whether it's your lumbar, cervical, or thoracic area, this imaging provides crucial insights for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Follow-up by Consultant Spinal Surgeon (20 min): Within 7 days after your assessment and imaging, our Spinal Surgeon will provide a 20-minute follow-up consultation. This is an opportunity to discuss your results, address any concerns, and collaborate on the best way forward.

Tailored Physiotherapy 6-Week Programme: The Power of Knowledge and Support. We believe that understanding your pain is key to overcoming it. Your personalized 6-week Physiotherapy programme will be based on your assessment findings, we'll create a tailored exercise regimen to improve your functional ability and achieve your goals – whether it's excelling in sports or simply enjoying everyday activities.

Understanding that pain isn't just physical, we address your beliefs and mental outlook, as they play a significant role in your journey to recovery. Our user-friendly app, 'Physitrack,' simplifies your rehabilitation experience. Access your customised programme with ease, log your progress, and communicate your notes to your dedicated Physiotherapist.

As your 6-week programme unfolds, regular follow-ups become a vital part of your progress. Typically scheduled every 1-3 weeks, these sessions allow us to assess your development, make necessary adjustments to your programme, and reflect on your journey together. With a blend of pain understanding, collaborative reflection, and targeted exercises, you'll experience lasting results that enhance your quality of life. 

Please call 020 778 02419 or email: [email protected] to book your appointment or for any enquiries.

We offer flexible payment options via Chrysalis Finance, making private healthcare more affordable than you'd think. Find more on: flexible finance for private treatment

• NHS - Back Pain
• NHS - Spinal Services
• Bupa - Lower Back Pain
• Bupa - Back Surgery
• CSP - Managing Your Back Pain