The component parts of the spine including the vertebrae, vertebral discs, nerves and muscles normally all work in perfect harmony. However, despite millions of years of evolution and the transition to the vertical, our backs are still highly prone to damage or degeneration and often struggle with the more sedentary demands of the modern work place.
So, what are the options for when your back goes 'pop', or when the pain prevents you from getting properly mobile despite the best efforts of the osteopath and the chiroprator?
Your choice really depends on how much damage (pathology) there is, and this needs to be properly assessed by a back specialist or spine physician who will take a full history and who ideally combines a thorough physical examination with accurate spine and muscle movement measurements, MRI scans and possibly other imaging tecniques. The assessment has to establish the precise nature of the current status, and for that - needs to be measurable and objective. The assessment provides the baseline from which changes can be monitored as well as providing the essential information on what treatment options are most likely to work.
- The Spine Assessment - Muscular Skeletal Specialist
The Sports Physician, Dr Ralph Rogers assesses all his back pain patients by including the latest back bio-sensor technology (Dorsavi), which provide a scientific report for each patient with an objective measurement of each patient's spine and muscle mobility - plus movement restrictions.
- The Pain Management Approach - Consultant in Pain Medicine
The Consultant in Spinal and Interventional Pain Medicine, Dr Nigel Kellow is both a pain specialist and expert in latest spine interventions.
- Affected Nerves - The Consultant Neurosurgeon,
Mr Irfan Malik pioneered the latest minimally invasive procedures in the UK (Endoscopic Microdisectomy). As the spine contains the spinal cord and nervous system, a neurosurgeon is essential for when there is damage to the discs, which is affecting the nerves.
- Affected Bone - The Consultant Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
Orthopaedic surgeons who specialise in spine are possibly the best option for when there is damage to the bone itself, or the bone needs to be fused, replaced or restored. However, depending on the proximity to the spinal cord the view of the neurosurgeon should also ideally be sought.
