Lower back pain
Assessment of possible facet-joint, disc-related, vertebrogenic, muscular and other contributors to persistent lower back pain. The most appropriate approach depends on the clinical picture.
A principal clinical focus
Specialist assessment of spinal pain.
Back pain, neck pain and sciatica can have many different causes. Effective treatment starts with understanding which structures may be responsible — and recognising when an intervention is unlikely to help. Private consultations are held in Haywards Heath, welcoming patients from Sussex, Surrey, Kent and across South East England.
Arrange a consultation →The clinical approach
Understanding the problem before choosing the procedure.
Dr Stephen Ward is a Consultant in Pain Medicine at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust with a particular clinical focus on spinal pain. His work includes complex lower back and neck pain, sciatica, spinal joint pain and pain persisting after spinal surgery.
Clinical examination, the pattern of symptoms and relevant investigations are considered together. MRI findings are important when appropriate, but changes on a scan do not always explain pain or indicate that a procedure is needed.
Spinal conditions
Areas of specialist assessment
Sciatica & nerve-root pain
Assessment of pain radiating into the leg, including suspected lumbar nerve-root irritation from a disc prolapse or other spinal changes. Injections may help selected patients; surgery is sometimes the more appropriate option.
Neck pain
Assessment of cervical joint-related pain and other potential causes of persistent neck symptoms, with attention to neurological symptoms that may need further investigation.
Persistent pain after spinal surgery
A fresh assessment of continuing or recurrent pain after spinal surgery, including whether symptoms are neuropathic, mechanical or due to a new problem.
Sacroiliac joint pain
Assessment of pain around the lower back and pelvis where the sacroiliac joint may contribute, while considering other possible sources of similar symptoms.
Spinal stenosis
Assessment of symptoms potentially related to narrowing around spinal nerves, with attention to walking limitation, neurological findings and when spinal surgical advice is indicated.
Why experience matters
The right decision isn't always an injection.
Spinal interventions can be useful for carefully selected patients, but their benefits and limitations differ by condition. Dr Ward considers the evidence for each option, the risks and alternatives, and the patient’s goals before recommending treatment.
Options may include diagnostic blocks, spinal or sacroiliac injections, radiofrequency denervation, rehabilitation, medication review or referral for another specialist opinion.
Explore treatment options →National clinical guidance
Experience informed by evidence.
Alongside his clinical practice, Dr Ward has contributed to NICE guideline development, including chairing the low back pain and sciatica guideline committee and serving on the NICE low back pain quality standards committee. These roles inform a critical, evidence-based approach to spinal treatments. They do not imply NICE endorsement of private clinical services.
Read more about Dr Ward’s experience →When to seek urgent assessment: New or progressive leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the saddle area requires urgent medical assessment rather than a routine pain appointment.
Spinal pain consultation
Start with a clear understanding of your symptoms.
Discuss your history, previous investigations and the options that may be appropriate for you.
Wondering whether your symptoms warrant specialist assessment? Read: When should you see a back pain specialist? →