SPINEmathema

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Conditions

Spinal conditions A–Z

Choose a condition to read a plain-English guide or watch related videos. New guides are added regularly.

Sciatica

Pain spreading from the lower back down the leg, caused by irritation of a nerve root.

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Slipped disc

A disc prolapse can press on a nerve. Most improve without surgery.

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Nerve root injections

What to expect from an injection to calm an irritated nerve.

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Piriformis syndrome

Buttock pain from a tight muscle that can mimic sciatica.

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Neck pain

Common causes of neck and arm pain, and how a neck MRI helps.

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Facet joint pain

Wear in the small spinal joints, a common source of back pain.

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Fibromyalgia

Widespread chronic pain, often alongside back pain.

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Posture & neck hump

Forward head posture and practical ways to improve it.

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Seek urgent medical help (A&E or 999) if you have back pain with numbness around your bottom or genitals, loss of bladder or bowel control, or rapidly worsening leg weakness.