Low Back Pain
Treatment
What are the common symptoms of low back pain
Low back pain is any pain in the lower back. This might beA dull or strong ache in the lower back that gets more painful when you move and may stop you straightening up into your full posture. The pain can be central or on either or both sides of the spine. You may find that the pain radiates down into the buttocks, the back of the thigh or even the lower leg (this could be sciatica – a type of nerve pain associated with low back pain).
What causes low back pain
Low back pain is very common and it’s not always clear what causes it, or why it affects some people more than others. However, there are still often lots of things you can do to effectively manage it.
Where there are detectable causes of low back pain, back or neck pain is often caused by damage to a muscle, ligament, spinal disc, nerve or bone, which will normally have happened following a simple movement like bending forwards or twisting the back. Damage like this can also happen after more complex and forceful movement. Sometimes, low back pain may be associated with degenerative or wear-and-tear changes within the spine which can worsen over time, causing inflammation and compression within associated nerves and soft tissues. These degenerative can sometimes be genetic or associated with injuries.
Your doctor will ask you about the symptoms and then examine the affected area. They will sometimes use an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to make or confirm a diagnosis.
What are the best treatments for low back pain
Lower back pain treatment will usually focus on bringing down the pain at first. This might include pain relief medication, gels, and some people find things like applying heat or having a warm bath can help ease back pain.
Depending on your symptoms and underlying causes, a back pain specialist will be able to devise a tailored treatment plan specific to your individual needs.
This might include physiotherapy for lower back pain, spinal traction, electrotherapy treatment or taping of the lower back.
As well as managing pain in the short-term, lower back pain treatment is usually most effective when it involves exercises to strengthen the back and prevent future problems – although it is important to do this under the guidance of a specialist. A back pain specialist can advise on stretches and exercise programmes to strengthen the core, improve or restore mobility in the back and address any underlying imbalances or postural problems. They can also provide lifestyle advice to help minimise back pain day-to-day – such as activities to avoid, or how to counter the effects of sitting for long periods if you work at a desk.
In very severe cases, lower back pain surgery or joint injections may sometimes be required – although this is very rare. The vast majority of the time, conservative treatments for lower back pain can be very effective and are always advised in the first instance.
Back and neck injury treatment
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Meet the Spine Group
At Wimbledon Clinics we have a dedicated, expert Spine Group consisting of a team of clinical surgeons that specialise in specific areas, as well as non-operative specialists, physiotherapists, pain specialists, psychologists and orthotists.
We focus on what the patient wants to achieve, aiming to avoid surgery where possible by exploring non-operative treatments first, enabling patients to get back to what they enjoy doing the most.
We are constantly developing our treatment methods, using the latest spinal surgical techniques and technology to ensure you are given the best medical care available, in the safest and most efficient way.
Our Spine Group includes:
JASON BERNARD
Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
Treats a wide range of spinal diseases and back injuries – from simple disc problems to complex cancer and scoliosis surgeries. Has extensive expertise in the revolutionary scoliosis treatment, Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT).
Specialist in: fractures, paediatric spine deformity and scoliosis, and myeloma.
TIM BISHOP
Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
Practice includes all aspects of spinal surgery, including surgery for cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral pathology. Also highly skilled in performing complex spinal trauma and tumour stabilisation.
Specialist in: adult and paediatric spine deformity and scoliosis, metastatic spine cancer and revision spine surgery.
DARREN F. LUI
Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
Specialises in complex spinal surgery including failed back syndrome, scoliosis and kyphosis surgery. Treats spinal tumours, metastases of the spine and offers balloon kyphoplasty. Experienced in minimally invasive surgery.
Specialist in: complex adult spine deformity and scoliosis, minimally invasive anterior spinal surgery, revision surgery and myeloma.
