Back pain

What it feels like

• Aching or sharp pain in the lower back, worse with bending, sitting or lifting
• Pain spreading into the buttock and down one leg (sciatica)
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in a leg or foot
• Stiffness first thing in the morning
• In older adults, leg pain and heaviness on walking that eases on sitting

Common causes

• Muscle and ligament strain

  The most common cause, after lifting, twisting or an unaccustomed activity. Painful but usually short-lived.

• Disc prolapse (slipped disc)

  The soft centre of a disc pushes out and presses on a nerve, causing leg pain, numbness or weakness.

• Degenerative changes

  Age-related wear of the discs and small joints of the spine, giving stiffness and recurring pain.

• Spinal stenosis

  Narrowing of the spinal canal in older adults, which causes leg pain or heaviness on walking that improves with rest or leaning forward.

• Osteoporotic fractures

  Weakened bones in the spine can fracture with little or no injury, causing sudden back pain in older people.

• Less common causes

  Infection, inflammatory conditions or tumours are rare but important, which is why pain with fever, weight loss or a history of cancer is assessed promptly.

When to seek care straight away

How it is assessed at the centre

1. 01A consultation and examination, including testing the nerves to the legs.
2. 02Digital X-ray on site to look at alignment, wear and any fracture.
3. 03An MRI scan, arranged when nerve compression is suspected or symptoms are not improving.
4. 04Blood tests, arranged when infection or inflammation needs to be ruled out.

Treatment options

• Staying active and physiotherapy

  For most back pain, continuing gentle activity, pain relief and a guided exercise programme at the on-site physiotherapy department work better than rest.

  Spine Care

• Injections

  Targeted injections around an irritated nerve can relieve leg pain while the disc settles.

  Spine Care

• Minimally invasive spine surgery

  Microdiscectomy and decompression relieve pressure on a nerve through a small incision when pain, numbness or weakness persist despite non-surgical treatment.

  Spine Care

• Fusion and fracture treatment

  For instability, deformity or certain fractures, the spine team stabilises the affected segment.

  Spine Care

Questions patients ask

Is bed rest good for back pain?

Prolonged bed rest is no longer advised. Short rest for severe pain is fine, but a gradual return to normal movement usually helps recovery more.

When is spine surgery needed?

When a nerve is compressed and pain, numbness or weakness do not improve with non-surgical treatment, or straight away for warning signs such as loss of bladder or bowel control.

Who treats spine problems at the centre?

Orthopaedic surgeons and a neurosurgeon consult at the centre, with physiotherapy on site.

How do I book a consultation?

Call 080 2664 3970 or 96201 51588 during consultation hours, Monday to Saturday, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

What if it happens at night or on a Sunday?

Accident and trauma care is available at any hour. Call the emergency line, 98450 75749.