Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis in which the joints of the spine become inflamed, in particular where the spine attaches to the pelvis. It usually develops in young adults and causes pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back. Eventually, fusion of vertebrae in the spine can occur.…

Spondylolisthesis is caused when one of the vertebrae of the spine shifts out of position. It can cause back pain and stiffness. It is different to a slipped disc, which occurs when a disc in between two vertebrae is damaged.…

Osteoporosis occurs when bones become brittle and are more easily fractured. It is more common in women, particularly after menopause when oestrogen levels are low, as oestrogen helps maintain bone mass. Numerous treatment options are available for osteoporosis.…

Back pain is a common symptom of different underlying conditions such as arthritis and muscular sprains. Most back pain improves with appropriate treatment. However, prevention through good posture and safe lifting is equally important.…

The sciatic nerve travels from the spinal cord and down the back of the legs. Sciatica occurs when the nerve becomes irritated through injury, arthritis, over-use of muscles, poor posture or by a 'slipped' disc and is often felt as a shooting pain down the rear part of one leg, or as a burning pain in the buttock.…

Perthes’ disease (also known as Legg-Calve-Perthes’ disease) occurs in children when blood supply is disrupted to the top of the thighbone (femur), leading to pain and damage in the hip joint.…