Initial assessment

A physiotherapist or specialist nurse will carry out your first assessment at a SpineCare clinic. Please ensure that before you attend your appointment you complete the questionnaire sent to you with your appointment letter. You will need to bring your completed questionnaire with you so that your physiotherapist or specialist nurse can review it with you to establish a more complete history of your back condition.

They will then undertake a physical examination to determine the source of your pain. They will check your reflexes and your range of movement, and discuss their findings with you.

Your physiotherapist will also prepare a report for your consultant spinal surgeon or neurosurgeon, who will review all your tests and assessments at the end of the process and give you your diagnosis.

The physiotherapy assessment should take around 40 minutes.