During your appointment you can expect the following:

 

•  History taking where you will be asked several questions related to your neck or back pain or injury.The type of questions you can expect during this consultation include:

- History of the pain or injury, including location, severity, things that make the pain worse or better.

- Previous related injuries

- Occupational or Sporting activities

- Past medical history including any medications

- Previous treatments

 

• A physical examination of your neck and back as well as other areas of the body if required.

• If needed to help reach a diagnosis, investigations may be required such as x-rays, MRIs or blood tests. 

• A diagnosis with explanation in laymans terms (non-medical language that is easy to understand).

• A management plan will then be developed in conjunction with the patient. Management may consist of:

- education of the condition and why it occurred

- advice on what to do and what to avoid making the condition worse

- exercise programs

- injections

- return to sport or activity programs

- if required referral to another health professional (physio, exercise physiologist, podiatrist)

 

Below is a list of common conditions seen in patients:

• Facet joint osteoarthritis

• Nerve root impingement

• Disc herniation (slipped or bulging disc)

• Stress fracture

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction