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Orthopaedic Spinal Patient Pathway and what to expect

There are several ways in which your pathway may progress within the Orthopaedic Spinal Service:

• It may be that no further investigations or tests are necessary and recommendations such as no specific treatment, physiotherapy, exercise, medication or referral to the Pain Management Service may be the outcome. You will then be discharged from the Orthopaedic Spinal Service.
• In some cases, further investigations (X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests for example) can be helpful to tell us a bit more about your condition. This will be discussed with you by the APP and any further investigations or tests arranged, if necessary.
• Spinal surgery is seldom undertaken for back or neck pain itself now, however if it is considered that a further surgical opinion may be of benefit for other symptoms, the Orthopaedic Spinal Service has links with the NHS Lothian and NHS Tayside Neurosurgical Teams, depending on your location in Fife.
• In some cases, pain can be persistent and there are no solutions or ‘cure’. A referral to the Pain Management Service might be recommended. The Pain Management Service specialises in treating pain that is difficult to control and focuses on improving your quality of life alongside your pain.
• If it is felt that the pain is not related to your spine and a different Service is required, the APP will make any further recommendations or referrals as needed.