Condition
Spine problems
Spine problems include neck and back pain, and pressure on the nerves or spinal cord from a slipped disc or narrowing of the spinal canal. Symptoms range from local pain to pain running down an arm or leg, numbness, or weakness. Most back pain settles; some patterns need assessment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Raman, MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology) —
About spine problems
Neck and back pain are very common, and most episodes come from the muscles and joints and improve over days to weeks. Some spine problems involve the nerves: a disc can press on a nerve root where it leaves the spine (called radiculopathy), and the spinal canal can narrow with age. Pressure on the spinal cord itself is less common and more serious.
Symptoms
Depending on what is affected, spine problems can cause:
- Pain in the neck or lower back
- Pain running down an arm or a leg, such as sciatica
- Numbness or tingling in a hand, arm, foot, or leg
- Weakness, such as a foot that drags or a weak grip
- Unsteadiness or difficulty walking
When to get help now
Get medical help quickly if back or neck pain comes with:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness around the genitals or back passage
- Weakness in both legs or worsening weakness
- A significant injury, such as a fall from height or a road accident
- Fever, or pain that is worse at night and does not ease with rest
This website is for information and appointments. It is not monitored for emergencies. For a suspected stroke or seizure, call 108 for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.
How it is diagnosed
The neurologist assesses the history and examines strength, sensation, reflexes, and walking. Most back pain does not need a scan. An MRI is arranged when the findings suggest nerve or spinal cord involvement, and nerve conduction studies with EMG can show which nerve is affected and how much.
How it is managed
Most neck and back pain improves with time, staying active within comfort, and physiotherapy. Nerve pain has specific medicines that differ from ordinary pain relievers. Injections or surgery are options in particular situations, decided with the specialists involved. This page is educational and is not a treatment plan; care is planned for each person at consultation.
Sources
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke — Back pain
Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Raman, MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology) —
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions patients ask most.
Do I need a scan for back pain?
Usually not. Most back pain settles without a scan. The neurologist advises an MRI when the history or examination points to nerve or spinal cord involvement, or when a red-flag feature is present.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain running from the lower back down the leg, along the path of the sciatic nerve. It often comes from a disc pressing on a nerve root in the lower spine. The assessment works out whether that is the cause and what to do next.
Appointments
Plan your visit.
Share your contact details and the clinic will call you to arrange a visit.