Imagine a pillow inside the spine that’s been pushed to one side, turning comfort into pressure.

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Our discs are composed of an outer shell and a soft nucleus, which gives the discs their shock absorbing properties. A slipped disc, also known as a cervical disc herniation, occurs when there is a tear in the outer shell and the soft nucleus is squeezed out. This can pinch the spinal cord or nerves and cause shoulder, neck or arm pain.

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Most people improve with targeted physiotherapy, pain management or spinal injections. Surgery is only considered when these treatments don’t help. Surgery is designed to take pressure off the affected nerve or spinal cord, using an approach tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

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It’s like hinges on a well-used door. With years of opening and closing, they still work, but just with a few more creaks than before. 

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This is often referred to as cervical spondylosis or cervical osteoarthritis. While it can sound scary, it’s simply common age-related wear and tear that affects people over 40 (spondylosis is a radiological term). It can cause stiffness, neck pain and discomfort in the shoulders or arms.

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Treatment usually focuses on physiotherapy, strengthening exercises and pain management. Surgery is generally reserved for those with more serious or worsening symptoms. When it is required, the focus is on relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

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Think of a path that’s become overgrown over the years. Everything is still usable, just with less open space.

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Known as cervical stenosis, this condition occurs when the spaces within the spine gradually narrow, often as part of the natural ageing process. In some cases, this can lead to arm pain, numbness or weakness.

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Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are. Surgery is only recommended if symptoms persist, worsen or cause nerve weakness. When surgery is needed, the aim is to create more space for the nerves so they can work properly again.

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Nothing has ‘popped out’ of the spine. Rather, it’s more like the disc has changed shape and taken up space where nerves run.

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Also known as a lumbar disc herniation, this occurs when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and presses on nearby nerves. This can cause sciatica – sharp pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock or leg, sometimes with numbness or weakness.

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Many patients improve with physiotherapy, pain management or spinal injections.

Surgery is generally reserved for more severe or persistent symptoms. When surgery is needed, the focus is on relieving nerve pressure, often with minimally invasive techniques.

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This kind of wear and tear is similar to creaky stairs in a well-loved house – a sign of years of use rather than damage.

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Lumbar spondylosis refers to osteoarthritis or wear and tear of the lumbar spine. It’s another common age-related condition that gradually develops over time. It can cause lower back stiffness, aching or pain that spreads to the hips. Symptoms are often worse with prolonged standing. 

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Many people improve with physiotherapy and core strengthening exercises. Surgery is only considered if symptoms persist and significantly affect quality of life. If surgery is needed, it’s done to ease pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

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Imagine a road where temporary barriers have slowly become permanent. Traffic still flows, but space is just a bit more tight. 

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Also known as lumbar spinal stenosis, this is a common age-related condition in which the spaces around the spinal nerves gradually narrow. Disc wear, together with bony overgrowth and ligament thickening, can reduce space for the nerves, leading to leg pain, numbness, heaviness or fatigue when walking. It can even affect balance or coordination.

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Treatment usually involves physiotherapy, medication or injections. Surgery is only considered if symptoms are severe, progressive or causing nerve weakness. If surgery is needed, it's done to make more room for the nerves so they can work properly again.

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