Whole Spine Hub: Lumbar, Cervical and Thoracic Assessment & Management
Introduction
Get WISE - Get WELL
- Get ON
The spine is a dynamic, load-bearing structure that protects the spinal cord and nerve roots while allowing complex movement in multiple planes. It is not simply a stack of bones — it is an integrated system of discs, joints, ligaments, muscles, and neural structures working together.
Spinal symptoms can arise from many different mechanisms. Some are region-specific (such as lumbar disc herniation or cervical radiculopathy). Others are broader in nature and not confined to one anatomical level. If you wish to look at more regionally specific info then do so by these dedicated hubs :
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Thoracic Spine Hub (mid back)
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Cervical Spine Hub (neck)
This section focuses on spinal conditions and educational topics that apply to the spine as a whole — including global spinal anatomy, inflammatory or infectious conditions, systemic causes of spinal pain, and important red-flag presentations.
Understanding the spine requires more than attaching a regional label. It requires recognising how structure, load, nervous system behaviour, and systemic factors interact.
The pages below explore these broader spinal topics in depth. Select the section that most closely reflects your concern or question.
Global Spinal Anatomy
Sacral Insufficiency Fracture (SIF)
A stress fracture that can occur without major trauma, more common in older adults or those with reduced bone density. Often presents as severe lower back/buttock pain and difficulty weight-bearing.
Discitis (Spinal Infection) – URGENT
Rare, but important. May present as severe constant back pain, often worse at night, with systemic features such as fever, feeling unwell, or unexplained weight loss.
Educational Notice
This content is intended for educational guidance only and reflects current evidence and clinical reasoning at the time of publication. It does not replace individual assessment, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your healthcare practitioner. Management decisions should always be based on personalised clinical evaluation.
Feel Free To Share
There is a great deal of misinformation and oversimplified advice online regarding musculoskeletal and spinal conditions. If you have found this page helpful, you are very welcome to share it with anyone who may benefit from clear, evidence-informed information.
Please share the page in full via direct link. Reproduction, copying, or republishing of the written content or images without permission is not permitted. Producing accurate educational material of this depth takes significant time, clinical experience, and ongoing review — and I choose to keep it freely accessible for the benefit of patients and healthcare professionals.
Responsible sharing is genuinely appreciated.
Why You Should Choose Chris Heywood Physio
The most important thing when seeking help is finding a practitioner you trust—someone who is honest, responsible, and clear about your diagnosis, the treatment you really need, and whether any follow-up appointments are necessary.
I’m not here to poach you from another therapist, but if you’re looking for a new physiotherapist in Northamptonshire or simply want a second opinion, here’s why many people choose to work with me (read my reviews):
Over 25 Years of Experience & Proven Expertise
With 25+ years of hands-on physiotherapy experience, I’ve built a trusted reputation for clinical excellence and evidence-based care. My approach combines proven techniques with the latest research, so you can feel confident you’re in safe, skilled hands.
Longer Appointments for Better Results
No two people—or injuries—are the same. That’s why I offer 60-minute one-to-one sessions, giving us time to:
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Thoroughly assess your condition
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Provide focused, effective treatment
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Explain what’s really going on in a clear, simple way
Your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you, aiming for long-term results, not just temporary relief.
Honest Advice & Support You Can Trust
I’ll always tell you what’s best for you—even if that means you need fewer sessions, not more. My goal is your recovery and wellbeing, not keeping you coming back unnecessarily. I have low overheads nowadays and I do not have pre-set management targets to maximise patient 'average session per condition' (yes it does happen commonly and I hate it with a passion - read my article here)
Helping You Take Control of Your Recovery
I believe the best outcomes happen when you understand your body. I’ll explain your condition clearly, give you practical tools for self-management, and step in with expert hands-on treatment when it’s genuinely needed.
Looking for a physiotherapist who values honesty, expertise, and your long-term health?
Book an appointment today and take the first step towards feeling better.
Contact Info
On a Monday and Tuesday I work as a advance musculoskeletal specialist in primary care but I can still be contacted for enquiries. You are welcome to call but it is often faster for me to reply via an email or watsapp message, simply as my phone will be on silent in clinic. Either way, I will reply as soon as possible, which in the week, is almost always on the same day at the latest.
Clinic Opening Hours
** Please note that online sessions and Aquatic sessions be arranged outside of normal clinical hours on request.**
Sat -Sun
Closed
0900 - 1430
Closed - FCP
Weds - Fri
Mon - Tues