If you have been experiencing problems with your back for some time, perhaps going back and forth to your doctor without coming any closer to identifying the underlying cause, then our spinal assessment diagnostics clinic will be able to help.

At the London Spine unit, it is not uncommon for our specialists to see patients who have already undergone one or more surgical procedure that has delivered little or no relief, or who have held out against their doctors’ recommendation for surgery, especially having heard of our proven track record for avoiding surgery for over 90% of patients. In such cases, by the time these patients come to the Harley Street Hospital for a second opinion they are desperate for answers.

Providing that answer is what we specialise in doing. Our initial assessment covers all spine conditions, including lower back pain, Whiplash Injury, Facet Joint Syndrome, Piriformis Syndrome, Scoliosis and a wide range of other spinal problems. We have world-class diagnostics facilities and a team of proven specialists in their field, all on hand to carry out a full assessment of your spine and to review every stage of your medical journey so we can get you a clearer picture. Only then can we help to you find the right treatment strategy to help you live life more fully.

The following are some of our advanced techniques at our disposal:

Computer Tomography (CT)

A non-invasive test that uses x-rays to create body images on the computer. The benefit of this test is that the doctor can view the spine in slices. The CT scans make use of iodine to reduce exposure to radiation and so during the process other nearby healthy tissues, nerves and ligaments are protected. This procedure can accurately diagnose tumours, injuries and any abnormalities along the spine.

Discogram

This particular test helps our specialist consultants to identify abnormalities in the discs of the vertebral column that may be the underlying cause of back pain. A discogram establishes the exact cause of pain and radiologists use it to determine whether the treatment will be surgical or non-surgical.

EMG (Electromyography) and NCV (Nerve conduction velocity)

These two tests are done together to measure the electrical activity of the muscle and the nerve. Electrodes are placed on the muscles and results are then recorded on a machine. This assessment determines whether the weakness of the muscles is of nerve origin or just pain.

Magnetic resonance

This test uses a magnetic field to take detailed pictures of the body’s soft tissues. It diagnoses tumours, strokes as well as disc degenerative disease.

Other assessment tests include the lumbar puncture, myelogram, and x-ray, each of which is able to pick up problems in the spine. Sometimes an assessment process might be combined to help us pinpoint the exact problem more accurately. Spinal assessment diagnostics at our clinic is carried out in an environment where you will have access to all the primary and secondary medical interventions you will need – from diagnostics, to assessment to corrective treatment. With our years of experience in this area we are usually able to get our patients an accurate diagnosis of any spine condition quite quickly and so put minds at rest.