Careful assessment of spinal pain — with direct access to neurospine opinion when imaging or surgery may be relevant, so you're not left guessing about next steps.
Back and neck pain has many possible sources — muscles, joints, discs and nerves. The first step is working out which, so treatment targets the actual problem rather than the symptom alone.
History, examination and, where useful, imaging — to identify the likely source and rule out anything that needs urgent attention.
Where a surgical opinion or advanced imaging is relevant, it's arranged directly through the Neurospine team.
Common presentations where assessment and, where appropriate, image-guided treatment can help:
We review your history, examination and any imaging to identify the likely source of pain and check for warning signs.
Depending on the cause: medication, rehabilitation, or an image-guided procedure such as a facet or medial branch block.
We track your response. If a surgical opinion becomes relevant, it's arranged through the team.
Not all back or neck pain needs imaging. A scan is usually considered when pain is severe, persistent, follows an injury, or comes with warning signs such as leg weakness, numbness or bladder changes. Assessment guides whether imaging adds value.
Most back and neck pain is managed without surgery. Where a surgical opinion may be relevant, that's arranged directly through the neurospine team so the decision is made with the right expertise.
Options range from medication and rehabilitation to image-guided procedures such as facet or medial branch blocks. The plan depends on the cause and severity, decided after assessment.
Seek urgent care for new leg or arm weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, fever with back pain, or pain after significant trauma. These need prompt medical attention.
Send a referral and your patient will be assessed within a multidisciplinary team, with neurospine opinion on hand when it's needed. You'll receive clear feedback throughout.