Spine Knowledge Hub

Lower Back & Lumbar Spine

Lower back pain is extremely common and can have many different causes. In some people, symptoms improve with time and appropriate non-surgical management. In others, persistent pain or associated neurological symptoms may require further investigation and specialist assessment.

Our lower back and lumbar spine guides explain common causes of back pain, including problems affecting the discs, joints, nerves and spinal canal. They also explore when investigations such as MRI scans may be appropriate and the circumstances in which spinal surgery may be considered.

Lower Back & Lumbar Spine Guides

• What Causes Lower Back Pain?
• When Should I See a Spine Specialist for Back Pain?
• MRI Scans for Lower Back Pain: When Are They Needed?
• Slipped Disc: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Symptoms and Treatment
• When Does Back Pain Require Surgery?

Existing condition information: Lumbar / Back Pain

Sciatica & Leg Pain

Sciatica describes pain associated with irritation or compression of a nerve supplying the leg. Symptoms can vary considerably and may include pain travelling from the lower back or buttock into the leg, as well as altered sensation, tingling, numbness or weakness in some patients.

There are several possible causes of sciatica and leg pain. These include a prolapsed or herniated disc and narrowing around the nerves within the lumbar spine. Identifying the cause of symptoms is important because treatment depends upon the underlying problem, the severity and duration of symptoms, and how significantly they are affecting the individual.

Sciatica & Leg Pain Guides

• What Causes Sciatica?
• Sciatica Symptoms: What Does Sciatic Nerve Pain Feel Like?
• MRI Scans for Sciatica: When Are They Needed?
• Sciatica from a Slipped Disc
• Spinal Stenosis and Leg Pain
• When Does Sciatica Need Surgery?

Existing condition information: Leg Pain / Sciatica

Neck & Cervical Spine

Neck pain can originate from several structures within and around the cervical spine. While many episodes of neck pain settle without surgery, symptoms extending into the shoulder, arm or hand can sometimes indicate irritation or compression of a cervical nerve.

Conditions affecting the cervical spine can also occasionally cause neurological symptoms such as altered sensation, weakness, problems with hand function or difficulties with balance and walking. These symptoms require appropriate medical assessment.

Our cervical spine guides explain common causes of neck and arm symptoms, including cervical radiculopathy, disc prolapse and spinal stenosis, together with the investigations and treatment options that may be considered.

Neck & Cervical Spine Guides

• What Causes Neck Pain?
• Neck Pain and Arm Pain: Could It Be a Trapped Nerve?
• Cervical Radiculopathy: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
• Cervical Disc Prolapse: Symptoms and Treatment
• Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Symptoms and Treatment
• When Does Neck Pain Require Surgery?

Existing condition information: Cervical / Neck Pain

Understanding Your Symptoms

Spinal symptoms do not always have a single or immediately obvious cause. Similar symptoms can sometimes arise from different conditions, and changes visible on a scan do not necessarily explain the symptoms experienced by an individual.

A specialist spinal assessment therefore considers the pattern and duration of symptoms, medical history, clinical examination and, where appropriate, imaging or other investigations.

The aim is not simply to identify an abnormality on a scan, but to determine whether the clinical findings and investigations provide a reasonable explanation for the symptoms and whether treatment is required.

Does Back or Neck Pain Always Require Surgery?

No. Many spinal conditions can be managed without surgery.

Depending upon the diagnosis, symptoms and individual circumstances, treatment may include advice and activity modification, physiotherapy or rehabilitation, medication and, in selected cases, spinal injections or other interventions.

Surgery is generally considered when there is an identifiable spinal problem for which an operation may provide meaningful benefit, particularly when symptoms remain significant despite appropriate non-surgical treatment or where neurological problems require more urgent consideration.

The decision to undergo spinal surgery should therefore be based upon an individual assessment of the potential benefits, limitations and risks of treatment.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Most episodes of back or neck pain are not caused by a serious underlying condition. However, new, severe, persistent or worsening symptoms should be appropriately assessed.

Urgent medical assessment may be required for certain neurological symptoms, including significant or progressive weakness, changes in bladder or bowel control, altered sensation around the saddle or genital area, or significant problems with walking or coordination.

If you are concerned about severe or rapidly changing symptoms, seek urgent medical advice rather than relying on information provided online.

About the Spine Knowledge Hub

The Spine Knowledge Hub has been developed to provide clear, evidence-based information for people seeking to understand spinal symptoms, investigations and treatment options.

Medical information within the Knowledge Hub is reviewed by Professor Nasir A. Quraishi, Consultant Spinal Surgeon & Honorary Professor.

Information provided within these guides is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Further Information and Specialist Assessment

If you are experiencing persistent back pain, sciatica, leg pain, neck pain or symptoms affecting the arms or legs, specialist assessment can help establish the likely cause and whether further investigation or treatment is appropriate.

Learn about Lumbar / Back Pain
Learn about Leg Pain / Sciatica
Learn about Cervical / Neck Pain