Lumbar spine

Your lumbar spine lets you move, supports you and protects your spinal cord. Injury is common. Prevent it by handling loads safely and being active.

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Scoliosis

Scoliosis is when your spine curves into an abnormal shape. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

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Upper back pain (thoracic pain)

Your upper back is also known as the thoracic spine. Learn about common causes of thoracic pain and how to prevent and manage it.

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Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that affects your spine. There is no cure for AS but treatments can help ease your symptoms.

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The role of a neurosurgeon

Neurosurgeons (brain surgeons) specialise in the surgical treatment and management of conditions that affect the brain, spine and nervous system.

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Sea creature bites and stings

Sea creature stings and bites can be serious due to venom through their teeth, tentacles, spines, or skin. Learn when to get help.

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Spina bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects a baby's spine from early pregnancy. Having enough folate in your diet lowers your baby's risk.

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Lumbar microdiscectomy

A slipped disc is where the spongy centre of a disc bulges out and puts pressure on a nerve where it leaves your spine. The aim is to relieve the pressure on the nerve so it can recover.

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Back pain — an overview

Back pain is rarely caused by a serious medical problem but can significantly affect your wellbeing and quality of life. Learn how to manage it.

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Laminectomy

A laminectomy may be recommended to ease your back pain but only when other treatments such as physiotherapy and medication have not worked.

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Spinal disc problems

Spinal disc problems can cause back pain, numbness and nerve problems. Maintain posture and strengthen muscles to help prevent disc problems.

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Spinal cord injuries

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that can make you lose feeling, movement, or both. Learn about causes and effects.

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Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis, or spinal canal stenosis, is a narrowing of the canal in which the spinal cord sits. Explore symptoms, causes, and treatments.

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Lumbar laminectomy

Lumbar spinal stenosis is where the spinal canal narrows in your lower back. This may cause pain or weakness in your legs. The aim of surgery is to prevent your symptoms getting worse.

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How to improve your posture

Good posture is important. Here are some tips and exercises to follow so you can improve your posture both in the workplace and at home.

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Low back pain

Low back pain is common and affects most people at some point in their life. Learn about the causes and what to do if you have low back pain.

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Epidural injection for chronic pain relief

An epidural injection can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief.

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Cervical laminectomy

Cervical spinal stenosis is where the spinal canal narrows in your neck, causing weakness or numbness in your arms and legs. The aim of surgery is to prevent further damage to your spinal cord.

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Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a problem with your back that can cause lower back pain. Read about the causes, symptoms and treatment options.

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Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is where your ligaments and tendons harden. Treatment is medicine, exercise and physiotherapy..

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Sciatica

Sciatica is pain in your back and legs. Learn about sciatica; its symptoms, causes, treatments, prevention and when to seek medical attention.

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Tailbone (coccyx) pain and injury

Tailbone (coccyx) pain and injury can happen if you fall or sit on hard surfaces. Learn to manage your pain with self care and when to see your doctor.

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Bone cancer

Primary bone cancer, which begins in the bones, is rare. But many other cancers, such as lung or breast cancer, can spread to the bones.

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Pain relief after surgery

Pain after an operation is a common problem but there is no need for you to be in a lot of pain. Pain relief after surgery is usually safe and effective.

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Facet joint injection

A facet joint injection can be used to find out if your pain is caused by your facet joints, or to treat pain in your facet joints.

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Epidural anaesthetic

An epidural anaesthetic can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after an operation or procedure.

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Anaesthetics (overview)

There are different forms of anaestheisa that can be used to provide a safe and effective way for you to have an operation or procedure, and to give you pain relief. Most people do not have any problems and are satisfied with their anaesthetic.

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Back injuries

Back injuries can happen as a result of sudden movements, falls or accidents. Learn to recognise symptoms that could indicate a severe back injury.

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Bones, muscles and joints

Bones, muscles and joints make up the musculoskeletal system. Learn more about their function as well as conditions and injuries that affect them.

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Lumbar puncture

Lumbar puncture involves putting a needle into the lower back to diagnose and sometimes treat problems of the brain and spinal cord.

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