Conditions & Treatments

Cervical radiculopathy, sometimes referred to as Brachialgia, is essentially a pinched nerve syndrome that happens in your neck. It is characterised by neck pain that can radiate into the shoulder and down the arm. It can also be associated with weakness of the arm and numbness in the hands and fingertips.

Cervical radiculopathy usually only affects one side of the body and is typically caused by a bulging or ‘slipped’ disc in the spine. The majority of people with cervical radiculopathy will improve without treatment, with 88% making a significant recovery within 4 weeks of conservative management. However, in more serious cases certain surgeries may be performed to reduce pain, restore spinal function, and improve quality of life.

Cervical myelopathy is the medical term for dysfunction of the spinal cord in the neck. Patients with cervical myelopathy typically struggle to use their hands like they are used to; activities like buttoning up shirts or tying shoelaces can become progressively difficult. Problems balancing oneself and walking normally and leg weakness are also common, along with neck pain and stiffness.

Cervical myelopathy is suspected when these symptoms affect both sides of the body and have lasted a long time without improvement. Causes are usually degenerative, which means natural wear-and-tear of the spine (causing compression of the spinal cord) that happens as we age, but this is always confirmed with an MRI scan. If caught early the prognosis is typically good, but due to the nature of this condition minimally invasive surgical intervention is often necessary to provide definitive and lasting symptomatic relief.

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition where your spinal canal within the lower spine become narrowed, putting pressure on the nerves within. It is characterised by lower back pain that can radiate into the buttocks, thighs, and legs, sometimes causing numbness, weakness, or a heavy feeling in the legs, especially when walking or standing for long periods.

Symptoms often improve when sitting or leaning forward. Lumbar spinal stenosis can affect one or both sides of the body and is most commonly caused by age-related changes such as disc degeneration or thickening of spinal ligaments.

Many people with lumbar spinal stenosis can find relief with conservative measures like physiotherapy, pain management, and activity modification. However, in more severe or progressive cases, surgical interventions may be considered to decompress the nerves, reduce pain, and improve mobility and quality of life.

Sciatica is a condition characterised by pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. It may also be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg.

This condition typically only affects one side of the body and can cause mild discomfort to severe pain, significantly impacting daily activities. The number of people who develop sciatica in their lifetimes ranges from 13 – 40%, making it a relatively common, but very treatable condition.

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated or prolapsed disc, is a common spinal condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort, affecting mobility and overall quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent back or neck pain, tingling sensations, or weakness in your limbs, a herniated disc could be the underlying cause.

The symptoms of a herniated disc depend on its location within the spine and the extent of nerve involvement. The most common areas affected are the lower back (lumbar spine) and the neck (cervical spine).

Spinal tumours are abnormal growths that develop within or around the spinal cord or vertebrae. These tumours can be primary (originating in the spine) or secondary (metastatic, spreading from other parts of the body). Symptoms often include persistent back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in the limbs, difficulty walking, and, in some cases, loss of bladder or bowel control. The severity and progression of symptoms depend on the tumour’s size and location.

While spinal tumours are relatively rare, they can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment, which may involve surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, are crucial for better outcomes. According to NHS data, the incidence rate for primary central nervous system tumours, which includes spinal cord tumours, is 9.1 per 100,000 population for men and 6.7 per 100,000 population for women in England.

Spinal Fractures are breaks or cracks in the bones of the spine, known as vertebrae, and can occur in different regions of the spine including the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back) and sacral spine (base of the spine).

Chronic pain is complex and often more than just a physical issue. It can involve: - Changes in hoe your body processes pain. - Emotions like stress, anxiety or depression. - Lifestyle and job-related factors. This is called biopsychosocial model - which means pain is influenced by your body, mind and surroundings.

An in-depth look at the UK’s rising spine-health burden - and what it means for your movement, wellbeing and future.