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    3. Orthopaedics
    4. Back Pain Treatment

    Back Pain Treatment

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our experienced musculoskeletal specialists provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and back pain treatment for a wide range of spinal conditions. Whether your symptoms have developed suddenly or have persisted over time, our multidisciplinary team works together to identify the underlying cause and create a personalised treatment plan focused on relieving pain, restoring movement and helping you return to everyday activities.

    Using advanced diagnostic imaging and evidence-based treatments, we aim to provide an accurate diagnosis as efficiently as possible, with access to specialist investigations and coordinated care in the heart of central London.

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    • Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting people of all ages. It can occur anywhere along the spine, although it most frequently affects the lower back (lumbar spine), middle back (thoracic spine) or neck (cervical spine).

      The spine is a complex structure made up of:

      • Vertebrae (bones)
      • Intervertebral discs
      • Joints
      • Ligaments
      • Muscles
      • Tendons
      • Nerves

      Pain can arise from any of these structures and may range from a temporary muscle strain to a more complex condition affecting the spinal discs, joints or nerves.

      While many episodes of back pain improve with time and conservative treatment, persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate an underlying condition that requires specialist assessment.

      At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our consultants take a comprehensive approach, working closely with specialists in diagnostic imaging, pain management, rehabilitation and, where appropriate, spinal surgery to ensure every patient receives an accurate diagnosis and an individualised treatment plan.

    • Back pain can vary considerably depending on its cause. Symptoms may include:

      • A dull, aching pain in the back
      • Sharp or stabbing pain with movement
      • Muscle stiffness or spasms
      • Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing
      • Reduced flexibility or range of movement
      • Pain that radiates into the buttocks, hips or legs (commonly known as sciatica)
      • Tingling, numbness or weakness in the legs or feet
      • Difficulty walking, bending or carrying out everyday activities

      You should seek specialist medical advice if your back pain lasts longer than a few weeks, recurs frequently, is becoming progressively worse, or is associated with numbness, weakness, unexplained weight loss, fever, or changes in bladder or bowel function. These symptoms require prompt medical assessment.

    • Back pain has many possible causes, ranging from minor injuries to more complex spinal disorders. A detailed assessment helps determine the source of pain and guide the most appropriate treatment.

      Mechanical causes

      Many cases of back pain are caused by problems affecting the muscles, joints or ligaments, including:

      • Muscle or ligament strain
      • Poor posture
      • Repetitive lifting or overuse
      • Sports injuries
      • Muscle tension

      Degenerative conditions

      As we age, natural changes within the spine can contribute to chronic back pain, including:

      • Degenerative disc disease
      • Facet joint arthritis
      • Osteoarthritis of the spine
      • Spinal stenosis

      Disc and nerve conditions

      Pain that radiates into the legs or causes numbness may be related to nerve compression, including:

      • Herniated (slipped) disc
      • Sciatica
      • Nerve root compression

      Other causes

      Less commonly, back pain may be associated with:

      • Osteoporotic spinal fractures
      • Scoliosis and other spinal deformities
      • Inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis
      • Kidney disorders that cause referred pain
      • Infection
      • Tumours affecting the spine

      Identifying the precise cause is essential, as effective back pain treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis rather than treating symptoms alone.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation. Your consultant will discuss your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and any previous injuries before carrying out a thorough physical examination to assess movement, strength, reflexes and nerve function.

      Where appropriate, further investigations may include:

      • Blood tests to identify infection or inflammatory conditions
      • Neurological assessment
      • Gait and mobility assessment

      Advanced imaging may also be recommended to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms:

      • X-ray: assesses spinal alignment, fractures and arthritic changes.
      • MRI scan: provides detailed images of discs, nerves, ligaments and soft tissues, helping diagnose conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis and nerve compression.
      • CT scan: offers detailed imaging of the bones of the spine and may be recommended where fractures or complex spinal anatomy require further assessment.
      • Ultrasound: may be used in selected cases to assess surrounding soft tissue structures.

      When required, our specialists collaborate with colleagues across radiology, pain medicine, neurology, rheumatology, orthopaedics and rehabilitation to ensure every aspect of your condition is carefully evaluated.

    • Back pain treatment is tailored to the underlying diagnosis, the severity of symptoms and your individual goals. Whenever possible, treatment begins with conservative measures before considering more invasive options.

      Conservative treatment

      Many patients benefit from non-surgical treatment, which may include:

      • Activity modification while maintaining appropriate movement
      • Physiotherapy and guided rehabilitation
      • Posture and ergonomic advice
      • Stretching and strengthening exercises
      • Heat or cold therapy
      • Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication where appropriate
      • Specialist non-surgical treatments

      For persistent or more complex pain, treatment may include:

      • Specialist pain management programmes
      • Image-guided spinal injections
      • Treatment for inflammatory spinal conditions
      • Multidisciplinary rehabilitation
      • Surgical treatment

      If conservative treatment has not relieved symptoms or there is significant nerve compression or spinal instability, surgery may be recommended.

      Depending on the underlying condition, procedures may include:

      • Minimally invasive spinal surgery
      • Lumbar decompression surgery
      • Discectomy for herniated discs
      • Spinal fusion where clinically appropriate

      Any surgical recommendation follows careful assessment by experienced spinal specialists, ensuring that treatment is appropriate for your individual circumstances and long-term wellbeing.

      Although Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London does not offer surgery, we collaborate with leading healthcare professionals who are able to carry out these procedures.

    • Choosing the right specialist for back pain can make a significant difference to both diagnosis and recovery.

      At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, patients benefit from:

      • Access to internationally recognised musculoskeletal and spinal specialists
      • A collaborative multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment
      • Advanced diagnostic imaging available on-site
      • Personalised treatment plans tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle
      • Evidence-based care informed by the latest clinical research
      • A premium healthcare experience in central London

      Our integrated approach means that specialists across multiple disciplines work together to provide seamless care, helping patients receive the right treatment at the right time.

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Private assessment 

    If you’re suffering from the listed symptoms and are looking for back pain treatment from a leading healthcare provider, we’re able to help. 

    You can book a consultation here, or alternatively, call our clinic on +44 (0) 207 871 2575.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Mr Karthik Karuppaiah, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

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