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Back and neck pain
Spinal degenerative disease and related disorders
Introduction
Written by Mr Graham Flint, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Neuroscience Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, with contribtions by Mr R J C Laing, Consultant Neurosurgeon, East Anglian Neurosurgery and Head Injury Service.
Lower back pain and neck pain are extremely common and occur more often as people get older. They can affect not only the physical health of the individuals concerned, but also their social and economic wellbeing. Although a source of considerable anxiety, spinal pain and its related problems can usually be managed successfully without surgery. With guidance, most people can learn to cope with episodes of pain themselves and take measures to reduce the likelihood of recurrences.
This booklet is for patients, employers and health care workers who need to know more about the prevention and treatment of spinal pain.
Note: Words printed in bold are explained in the glossary.
This booklet is for patients, employers and health care workers who need to know more about the prevention and treatment of spinal pain.
Note: Words printed in bold are explained in the glossary.
Page 1 of 19
Contents
- Introduction
- What causes spinal pain?
- Why do I experience different types of pain?
- What other symptoms can develop?
- How common are spinal problems?
- Could it be something serious?
- What will happen if the pain is not treated?
- What do the various words used by doctors mean?
- What tests can be performed?
- How is spinal pain treated?
- When is an operation necessary?
- What do you recommend, doctor?
- Who should perform my operation?
- What are the drawbacks of surgery?
- What is the recovery period?
- What is surgery fails?
- What advances are likely in the future?
- Conclusions
- Other organisations that may be able to help
