Spinal Pain

National guidance now restricts interventions for “non-specific” back pain to one procedure (radiofrequency denervation) for one cause of back pain (facet joint arthritis), once.  This seems to me to be the ultimate expression of a one size fits all concept and will fail to meet the needs of many patients. I believe that having a wide range of techniques available is key to solving the problem the patient presents, rather than just giving the treatment the doctor has.

Not all problems can be solved, but many things are treatable though frequently not addressed. Intervertebral disc pain (discogenic pain) is an example. All pain doctors know it exists but few diagnose or treat it. I have published largest series of cases in the UK with overall successful results. I have also recently published in other areas (MAST and Spinal Endoscopy).

Pain problems are ideally managed in a multi-disciplinary environment. At The London Spine Clinic we have therapists, psychologist, podiatrist, additional pain specialists, endoscopic and spinal surgeons.  Cases are discussed at twice-monthly conferences and the widest range of options can be considered.  Likewise, at Oving clinic I work alongside John Tanner a highly experienced musculoskeletal physician (and fellow SIS member and tutor, see below) and his therapy team.

I am a long-standing member of the Spinal Intervention Society (SIS) a senior international organisation dedicated to setting technical standards and advancing he science of interventional spinal pain management.  I  am an SIS instructor and regularly teach course in interventional techniques for SIS and others nationally and internationally. 

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