Education hub
Start With Your Symptom
Each page below starts from a single symptom and sets out the conditions in this library that are described by it — including the problems elsewhere in the body that are routinely mistaken for a spinal cause. Pick whichever is closest to what you are experiencing, then read the guides from there.
This article is general education, not medical advice. It cannot account for your history, imaging, or examination — talk to a qualified clinician about your own care.
Sciatica: Pain That Travels Down the Leg
Pain, numbness or weakness running from the back or buttock down the leg.
11 guides · 3 that mimic spine pain
Back Pain or Hip Pain? How to Tell Them Apart
Buttock, groin and outer-thigh pain that could be coming from either.
8 guides · 3 that mimic spine pain
Leg Pain When Walking: Spine or Circulation?
Cramping, heaviness or pain that starts after a certain walking distance.
8 guides · 3 that mimic spine pain
Neck Pain With Arm Pain: What Could Be Causing It
Pain running from the neck into the shoulder, arm or hand.
7 guides · 2 that mimic spine pain
Numbness and Tingling in the Hands: Neck or Wrist?
Pins and needles, numbness or clumsiness in one or both hands.
8 guides · 3 that mimic spine pain
Numbness and Tingling in the Feet: Back or Nerves?
Numb, tingling or burning feet, on one side or both.
8 guides · 3 that mimic spine pain
Mid-Back Pain and Pain Wrapping Around the Ribs
Pain between the shoulder blades, or band-like pain around the chest.
7 guides · 1 that mimic spine pain
Foot Drop: Difficulty Lifting the Front of the Foot
Difficulty lifting the front of the foot, catching the toes, a slapping step.
7 guides · 1 that mimic spine pain
Balance Problems and Clumsy Hands
Unsteady walking together with dropping things or fumbling buttons.
10 guides · 1 that mimic spine pain
Back Pain That Wakes You at Night
Pain that wakes you from sleep or does not settle with a change of position.
9 guides · 2 that mimic spine pain
Leaning Forward When You Stand or Walk
A stooped posture, or leaning on a trolley or walker to stay upright.
6 guides
Pain That Comes Back After Spine Surgery
Pain that never fully settled, or that came back months or years later.
8 guides
Already know the diagnosis?
If you have been given a name for the problem, go straight to the condition guides — or to the procedure guides if surgery or an injection has been suggested and you want to know what it involves.
Not sure what's causing your pain?
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