Back & Spine

Back & Spine Problems / Conditions

The majority of the adult population experience back pain in their life. Often the episode is short-lived and very little has to be done. When it becomes prolonged or more severe, Schoen Clinic Orthopaedic & Spinal Hospital London is here to help.

Whether the pain is impacting your work, sporting activities, day-to-day life or stopping you sleeping, our team of Consultant Specialists are on hand to help you recover. Our experts can deal with the whole range of spinal conditions, from simple wear and tear to complex spinal surgery.

Back vs Spine

Although some people use the terms ‘back’ and ‘spine’ interchangeably, they refer to different areas of the body. Your back (or ‘dorsum’) is the large posterior area of your body, from the back of your neck to the top of your buttocks. The major bones beneath the surface are your spine and your scapulae (shoulder blades).

Your spine is the column of vertebrae and other parts that form the central support structure of your body. Also known as your backbone, it connects various parts of your musculoskeletal system and plays a role when you stand, sit, walk, bend, and twist.

The Spine

The spine is comprised of the following parts:

• Vertebrae – A stack of 33 vertebrae creates the spinal canal, which contains your spinal cord and nerves.
• Spinal cord and nerves – Your spinal cord is made up of many nerves, 31 pairs of which extend out from the cord, passing through the neural foramen (openings in the vertebrae).
• Intervertebral discs – The intervertebral discs are fibrocartilage cushions that are the main joints and shock absorbers between your vertebrae.
• Soft tissue – Your vertebrae are connected by ligaments, your muscles are connected to your bones by tendons, and your muscles provide support for your back and play an important role in movement.
• Facet joints – The facet joints contain cartilage, a slippery and flexible connective tissue that lets vertebrae move against one another without causing damage.

Injuries and other problems that affect your spine, spinal cord, and/or back can cause pain as well as other issues. We offer trustworthy diagnoses and excellent treatment for various back and spine conditions and problems.

Types of Back and Spine Problems

Relatively common back and spine problems and conditions include:

• Arthritic conditions – Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints due to wear and tear or other causes.
• Back sprains and strains – A sprain is the stretching or tearing of a ligament in the back. A strain is a muscle or tendon injury.
• Bone spurs – Sharp edges on vertebrae that affect the nerves and spinal cord.
• Herniated discs – Also known as a slipped disc, the condition can be caused by injury or wear and tear. The gel centre of the disc may be pushed all the way to the outer ring. We also treat spinal fractures and other spinal cord injuries.
• Osteoporosis – A condition that causes the bones to become brittle and weak.
• Pinched nerves – Caused by bones, muscles, cartilage, or other tissue placing too much pressure on a nerve. We also treat sciatica, spinal stenosis, and other nerve injuries.
• Spine curvatures – Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine forms a sideways curve.
• Spine tumours – Tumours are growths that develop in your spinal bones or spinal cord.

Some of the most common diagnostics, treatments and procedures carried out by our Spinal Specialists at Schoen Clinic London include;

• Physiotherapy
• X-ray
• MRI
• Pain Management Options
• Spinal Surgery (Minor & Complex)

Accessing our experts at Schoen Clinic London is easy with initial private appointments available in as little as 24 hours. We are recognised by all health insurers or you can simply pay-as-you-go for treatment. Contact us today by calling 0203 929 1086 or emailing us.