Non-Operative Care

The majority of patients with spine-related symptoms do not need an operation. However, in many cases they do require non-operative treatment modalities, including education, pain medications, physiotherapy, counselling and spinal injections. The aim of every treatment modality is to achieve a functional recovery. This means restoring the patient's ability to function, without necessarily removing the underlying problem.

Patient education services

A lot of time and effort goes into helping the person understand his or her problem. This is a major first step in treatment. Most people are worried about their problem's possible affect on their lifestyle. The surgical team, along with the clinical co-ordinators and physiotherapists, provide educational services at every step of the journey to recovery. Please ask for copies of our educational pamphlets relevant to your condition if needed.

Physiotherapy and Special Spinal rehabilitation (SSR)

SSR provides an integrated, comprehensive service for the non-operative management of neck and back disorders. Our team of dedicated, specialist physiotherapists uses up-to-date concepts of Spinal Cognitive Motor Relearning with musculoskeletal physiotherapy to allow you to take control of your spine during posture and movement. The SSR team also conducts a gym-based program, which is done once the pain is controlled and spinal stabilisation exercises are mastered. The aim of the gym-based SWAP programme is to help you return to work.

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Spinal injections

Local anaesthetics and steroids can be injected around the painful spinal joints (facet joints) or the compressed nerves to obtain pain relief. These injections have a diagnostic role, as they tell the treating doctors the focus of the pain. Injections provide quick pain relief and may occasionally postpone or even remove the need for an operation. Most of the injections are performed by the doctors at Spine Service and therefore are easy to organise and effectively done.

Pain management services

Many spinal problems require long-term pain medications that are better co-ordinated by a Pain Physician. Our pain management specialist, Dr David Gorman, has a special interest in the management of neuropathic spinal pain and chronic pain disorders. Various groups of medications are used in a step-by-step manner and the therapy is tailored to suit each individual and aimed at optimising pain relief.

Clinical Psychology

Long-standing spine-related problems can cause significant emotional and social stress. In addition, personal issues can have a serious affect on pain perception and the results of other treatment modalities. As part of the holistic approach to this difficult situation, Ms Danielle Clifford, our clinical psychologist, provides counselling services to those with chronic spinal pain.