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.

It’s no secret that the spine is complex, comprised of many different parts. The different parts of the spine include:

• 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, whereas your muscles are connected to your bones by tendons. The soft tissue and muscles in your back 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.

Due to the nature of the spine, it’s important that you go see spine specialists for your assessment and treatment. As leading spinal surgeons in London, you can rest assured that every part of your journey with us, from trustworthy diagnoses to excellent treatment for various back and spine conditions, is world-leading.

Given the complexity of your back and spine, it’s relatively common to experience back pain or 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. This could be considered a sports injury or one sustained in normal daily life.
• 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. This is normally first identified at childhood but can cause issues later down the line.
• Spine tumours – Tumours are growths that develop in your spinal bones or spinal cord.
• Spinal stenosis – Spinal stenosis is where spinal nerve roots become compressed by narrowing of the spinal canal. We can treat this condition with various treatment methods, not just surgery.
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis – As we age, our vertebrae may slip, causing back and leg pain. Our team of spine specialists will help to relieve pain and improve your daily life.

However, this list is not exhaustive. If you’re experiencing back pain that’s affecting your quality of life, book an appointment with one of our spine specialists to discuss the best bad-back treatment for your needs.

Within the back and spine team at Schoen Clinic London, each Consultant is a back and spine Specialist. We know how difficult it can be when your daily life is being affected by debilitating back pain. It can be especially tough not knowing why your back is flaring up or what can be done to help.

Our back and spine treatment process is designed to get you back to doing what you love, quickly. We’ll help to ease your pain and support you throughout the whole process, ensuring that you’re kept in the loop throughout – from your official diagnosis to your varying treatment options.

We understand that the prospect of surgery can be daunting, which is why offer an assortment of pain-management options and rehabilitation plans, depending on your unique needs. Here at Schoen Clinic, we put you first.

Some of the most common diagnostics, treatments and procedures carried out by our spine and lower-back specialists at our back clinic in London include:

• Physiotherapy
• X-ray
• MRI
• Pain management options
• Spinal surgery (Minor & Complex)

Make an enquiry today to attend our leading back clinic

As leading experts in bad back and spinal injury treatment, you can rely on us to provide specialist advice that you can’t get elsewhere. However you choose to fund your treatment, we’re here to help.