FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How accurate is a SpinalMouse scan? According to the European Spine Journal, the results are statistically significant in reliability and validity, which is seen to be equivalent to an X-ray, but without the harmful effects of radiation. The Spinal Mouse allows us to record information about the angles (posture), flexibility and postural competence (Matthias Test), which can also be used for follow up of treatment.

Will the treatment harm me? In all the 5,000+ patients we have treated, the majority of patients have benefitted dramatically.  Sometimes, unfortunately, the patient may have an underlying condition which may be referring their back pain, e.g. gallstone, kidney and urinary problems, tumours etc.  If they are not improving in approximately 3 treatments we usually refer them on for further investigations, so we can check pretty quickly whether the patient will benefit.  In some cases, with tumours, we have managed to get them treated quickly, even when their consultant has said "It is their age" or "you play too much golf".  If the problem is mechanical, which 97% of back pain is, then it is treatable.  Our patients range from 4-93.  It is not always the elderly that have a stiff spine! Spinal stenosis is not a contraindication for treatment, but there is less guarantee of success as this is an internal mechanical dysfunction, but if we can improve the mechanics of the spine generally, we may help relieve some of the symptoms.

What causes back pain?  We must distinguish between back pain and a back problem.  Like heart disease, back pain does just not happen by bending over whilst brushing your teeth over the wash basin, even though this does appear to happen like this  to patients.  Like heart disease, there is an underlying problem, with risk factors, which build up over time until one day the back just goes.  Once you have a problem, the incidents become more frequent, last longer until one day you find that you feel as if you are paralysed as the back goes into spasm.  Back problems are generally caused by stiffened segments in the spine, caused by injury, poor posture or the aging process. Over time, as a result of the excessive strain being put on the joints, excessive wear and tear, inflammation and pain occur.  With the micro-manipulator, we can get the stiffened segments working again, taking the strain off the affected joints so that they can heal.  Almost like giving someone a new back - younger and more supple.

Will I be sore after the treatment?  We are getting the joints to move again as they should.  Very rarely does someone feel sore, and this usually reflects the underlying inflammation and may last a couple of days.  Occasionally someone might feel lightheaded, particularly if we are straightening the spine (eg scoliosis) on getting up from the plinth, but it is usually a nice feeling.  The benefits far outweigh the negative effects.

To check what to expect following a treatment please press link After treatment