Spine Care in Dubai

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttock and down each leg, is compressed or irritated. The most common cause is a herniated lumbar disc pressing on the nerve root. Other causes include spinal stenosis, bone spurs from degenerative arthritis, piriformis syndrome, and spondylolisthesis. Symptoms typically include sharp or burning pain radiating from the lower back down one leg, numbness, tingling, and in severe cases, weakness in the affected leg. Most cases resolve with conservative treatment within 6 to 12 weeks.

Not all back pain requires MRI imaging. For acute back pain without neurological symptoms, conservative treatment is typically started first. MRI is recommended when pain persists beyond 4 to 6 weeks, when you have symptoms suggesting nerve compression such as numbness, tingling, or weakness, when there is a history of trauma or cancer, or when symptoms are severe or progressive. We have on-site MRI at our Dubai Healthcare City clinic, so imaging can be performed the same day when indicated, with results available for immediate review by your spine specialist.

No, prolonged bed rest is actually counterproductive for most back pain. Current evidence strongly recommends staying as active as possible. Extended immobility weakens spinal muscles, stiffens joints, and can worsen pain over time. While a brief period of reduced activity for one to two days may be appropriate for severe acute pain, gradual return to normal activities is essential for recovery. Our spine specialists provide specific guidance on safe movements, appropriate exercises, and activity modifications to promote healing while protecting your spine.

Yes, poor posture is one of the most common causes of neck and back pain, particularly in Dubai where desk-based work and prolonged screen use are prevalent. Forward head posture, commonly called tech neck, places excessive strain on the cervical spine muscles and ligaments. Similarly, slouching at a desk increases lumbar disc pressure by up to 40 percent compared to standing. Our spine specialists assess your posture, identify contributing factors, and provide ergonomic recommendations for your workspace, driving position, and daily activities to prevent pain recurrence.

Spine surgery is considered a last resort and is recommended only in specific circumstances: severe nerve compression causing progressive weakness or loss of function, cauda equina syndrome with loss of bladder or bowel control (a surgical emergency), spinal instability from fracture or severe degeneration, and chronic severe pain that has not responded to a comprehensive conservative treatment program over at least 3 to 6 months. The vast majority of spine conditions are successfully managed without surgery through medication, injections, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications.

A herniated disc occurs when the soft gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer ring. This can press on nearby spinal nerves causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the area served by that nerve. Lumbar disc herniations cause lower back and leg symptoms, while cervical herniations cause neck and arm symptoms. Not all herniations cause symptoms, and many resolve with conservative treatment including medication, targeted exercises, and sometimes epidural steroid injections. MRI is the definitive imaging study for diagnosing disc herniations.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine, causing back pain, leg pain, and cramping that worsens with walking or standing and improves with sitting or bending forward. Cervical stenosis can cause neck pain and symptoms in the arms and hands. It is typically caused by age-related degenerative changes including disc bulging, thickened ligaments, and bone spurs. Treatment includes medication, physiotherapy, epidural injections, and surgery when conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief.

Spinal injections including epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and nerve root blocks can provide significant pain relief for many spine conditions. They work by delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain and inflammation. Success rates vary by condition, but many patients experience meaningful relief lasting weeks to months. Injections serve both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, helping confirm the exact source of pain. They are most effective when combined with a structured physiotherapy program and are performed using imaging guidance for precision.