Lower back pain
If your lower back pain isn't going away, our spinal, neurology and orthopaedic surgeons can help
About
Need to know
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Who is at risk of developing LBP? icon plus
There are certain groups of people who are more likely to complain of LBP compared to others. Individuals working in physically demanding jobs, or who may have physical or mental health conditions, smokers and those with a high body mass.
The cause of back pain can be multi-factorial and is therefore challenging to treat in a lot of cases. There are different ways of managing your back symptoms and you would need to discuss the best option available to you with your doctor. -
Symptoms of lower back pain icon plus
Lower back pain is a symptom which is representative of an underlying cause which may or may not be known. The pain typically occurs between the lower rib margins and the top of the buttocks. It can be associated with pain in one or both legs. Patients often complain of stiffness in the back as well. Some patients also have sensations of numbness, tingling and weakness in the legs. -
Screening and diagnosis icon plus
There are serious causes of LBP (Infection, cancer, inflammation and fractures) that require early identification and specific treatment but in most cases less invasive treatments will suffice.
Your consultant will take your medical history and discuss your symptoms with you. This will help them to make a diagnosis and advise you on your next steps. -
Treatment options & pain relief icon plus
Treatment of LBP depends on the cause. In most cases self-management in the form of exercise and simple analgesia for pain control is all that is required. Manual therapies including physiothherapy may help if the symptoms do not settle within a few weeks. When pain has been present for a long time psychological therapies may help as well. Doctors who specialise in pain management can play an important role in controlling pain. There are other specialised treatments including injections that may be available. Surgery may also be offered where the indications are appropriate. Each case is assessed individually and your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you.
If you require surgery, your treatment options might include: - A discectomy, where part of a slipped disc irritating the nerve is removed - A laminectomy, where the lamina (part of your vertebra) is removed to relieve pressure on the nerves - A foraminotomy, a treatment which enlarges the spinal nerve passageway to stop the nerves from being pinched - A spinal fusion, which removes damaged cartilage disk or the lamina and fuses the spine back together - A disc replacement, where a damaged disc is replaced with a synthetic implant - A vertebroplasty, a treatment which involves injecting liquid bone cement into the vertebra to reinforce crumbling bone.
Our consultants
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344