Overview
Spinal conditions can result from a traumatic injury or accident (such as a car accident, fall or sports-related incident) or from medical conditions including osteoporosis.
In an emergency, always call 000.
At Epworth, we specialise in care for spinal conditions including nerve root compressions, spinal tumours, disc bulges or prolapse, and pain conditions related to this.
Diagnosis
We will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis. If a spinal cord injury is suspected, your doctor may arrange the following assessments to confirm the diagnosis:
- Medical evaluation
- Medical imaging such as an MRI or CT scan
- Neurological assessments
Get referred
To receive a diagnosis or treatment from an Epworth specialist, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your GP and request a referral.
Treatment and management
Your Epworth care team will collaborate with you to plan the best approach to your treatment and symptom management.
Following a spinal condition diagnosis, your doctor may recommend:
Surgery
Surgery may be needed to minimise further injury. Surgery may involve spinal fusion, decompression or removal of herniated discs.
Pain management
There are strategies to help you understand and holistically manage pain. Your Epworth care team can refer you to our pain service or an Epworth pain specialist following spinal surgery.
Rehabilitation
Neurological rehabilitation focuses on enhancing your physical and cognitive abilities, promoting independence, and offering emotional and psychological assistance to you and your family. If an Epworth Rehabilitation program is not suitable for your specific needs, we may suggest alternate programs in the community.
Our locations
For spinal conditions
Treatment locations
Neurological rehabilitation locations
Your care team at Epworth
The multidisciplinary team for spinal conditions may include a neurosurgeon, neurologist and orthopaedic surgeon.
What’s the difference between a neurosurgeon and an orthopaedic spine surgeon?
Neurosurgeons and orthopaedic spine surgeons are both medical specialists who focus on treating conditions related to the spine. Neurosurgeons have an in-depth knowledge of the nervous system including the spinal cord and brain. While orthopaedic spine surgeons have a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles of the spine.
Learn more about the health professionals in the neurology care team.
Choosing your Epworth specialist
Meet our specialist neurologists and neurosurgeons, accredited at Epworth.